2.3L ('02-'11) 2003 ford ranger 2.3 Liter.

[Charkes Fyle]

Hey guys. So I bought this ranger (2003 2.3 L) with only 50k on it. I was happy. Still am. But, I found that they put orange antifreeze in it. And, the "sweet smell" is starting to permeate. So, not having an owners manuel, I've been searching the net. Am I reight in thinking that this is a reservoir "all" for adding, flushing etc etc? Do I do this by pump or syphon only? Thanks.

 

[MikeG]

There should be a valve (petcock) low on the radiator on one side or the other, probably opposite the lower hose. That's how you drain it although you may not get it all out, FYI.

Shouldn't be smelling anti-freeze no matter the color.... do you have a leak from the heater core in the cab by chance?

 

[Dirtman]

No antifreeze will break down an engine or cooling system enough to cause a "smell". And if it does, its beyond simply switching to a new coolant.

The coolant system is called a "dagas system" it does not use a traditional radiator cap, you fill it through the "overflow" tank. In 2003 it should probably come stock with motorcraft gold coolant. But as I said, changing it to anything else will not cause the problem you describe. You unfortunately need a new heater core.

 

[Charkes Fyle]

Thanks for your replys. Heater cores seem to be the new replacement part, popular. My old PT Cruiser gave me heater core night mares. My heater and defroster seem to work fine.