89 Ford ranger stx coolant disappearing

[rusty ol ranger]

Oh okay so it's more then likely that.

More then likely.

Unless its the water pump gasket leaking. But either way id change the pump

 

[johnv]

More then likely.

Unless its the water pump gasket leaking. But either way id change the pump

Does it need replaced right away? Im not paid for a week and a half.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Does it need replaced right away? Im not paid for a week and a half.

I mean, if its not overheating i wouldnt worry to much.

But if you notice it even starting to get warm id shut it down...2.9s and heat dont mix.

Id just get it done asap

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Another possibility is a pinhole on the hose or side tank. I've had a couple and can't see them until actually look really hard for them. Maybe get engine to temp and shut it off. Then hold cardboard and pass the cardboard on all sides of hoses and tanks. Don't forget the heater inside the cab could be leaking too.

 

[johnv]

I mean, if its not overheating i wouldnt worry to much.

But if you notice it even starting to get warm id shut it down...2.9s and heat dont mix.

Id just get it done asap

What's early signs of overheating?

 

[johnv]

Another possibility is a pinhole on the hose or side tank. I've had a couple and can't see them until actually look really hard for them. Maybe get engine to temp and shut it off. Then hold cardboard and pass the cardboard on all sides of hoses and tanks. Don't forget the heater inside the cab could be leaking too.

My heater I think has a catch lip under it. Haven't noticed any leak on passenger side. Top hose was leaking replaced it .

 

[RobbieD]

What's early signs of overheating?

If your truck has a temp gage, and it works, keep an eye on the gage. If it has a red temp light, and it works, if it lights while driving pull over, cause you're already too hot.

Make it a point to check the radiator water/coolant level before you drive it, every time, or every day. The lower the level, the easier it'll overheat.

If it gets too hot while driving, and you can't pull over right away, run the heater at full blast. It'll help pull heat from the engine, and I'd rather suffer a little than lose an engine.

If it's a 2.9 and it overheats, it'll likely cause big damage. Baby it until you have the scratch to fix it.

If you replace the water pump, it'd be a good idea to pull the radiator (easier to work on the pump) and flush it really well while it's out.

Good luck!

 

[johnv]

If your truck has a temp gage, and it works, keep an eye on the gage. If it has a red temp light, and it works, if it lights while driving pull over, cause you're already too hot.

Make it a point to check the radiator water/coolant level before you drive it, every time, or every day. The lower the level, the easier it'll overheat.

If it gets too hot while driving, and you can't pull over right away, run the heater at full blast. It'll help pull heat from the engine, and I'd rather suffer a little than lose an engine.

If it's a 2.9 and it overheats, it'll likely cause big damage. Baby it until you have the scratch to fix it.

If you replace the water pump, it'd be a good idea to pull the radiator (easier to work on the pump) and flush it really well while it's out.

Good luck!

I was thinking that and I check the radiator everytime before I drive anyway. Make sure it's full. And my temp gauge doesn't work. I've noticed tho after I drive to work I touch my engine and the temp is barely warm to the touch but after it sits like 5 min completely off it gets hot. I always drive with the heat on full fan. Should it be on high? And my tick has basically gone away recently.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I was thinking that and I check the radiator everytime before I drive anyway. Make sure it's full. And my temp gauge doesn't work. I've noticed tho after I drive to work I touch my engine and the temp is barely warm to the touch but after it sits like 5 min completely off it gets hot. I always drive with the heat on full fan. Should it be on high? And my tick has basically gone away recently.

They always get hotter after shutdown because the coolant quits circulating.

Id install a aftermarket temp gauge or get yours working...espicially on a 2.9.

If its overheating yes, heat on full bore and fan on full bore. Itll help a little. But the best thing is to get pulled over.

 

[johnv]

They always get hotter after shutdown because the coolant quits circulating.

Id install a aftermarket temp gauge or get yours working...espicially on a 2.9.

If its overheating yes, heat on full bore and fan on full bore. Itll help a little. But the best thing is to get pulled over.

I've only been driving too and from work and gas station which is like 6 miles. Is this normal for the oil fill?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I've only been driving too and from work and gas station which is like 6 miles. Is this normal for the oil fill?

No. Thats coolant in the oil.

Head gasket or head is blown. Probably the head.

Quit driving it till you figure it out. Coolant will toast the crank bearings

 

[johnv]

But I don't have any drastic fluid loss. Never had booger looking stuff in the oil fill.

 

[sgtsandman]

But I don't have any drastic fluid loss. Never had booger looking stuff in the oil fill.

I would recommend following the advice given, rusty knows 2.9s. With a head or a gasket problem, you’re running on borrowed time. Better to park it and get it fixed than wait for the engine to fail and have a bigger and more expensive problem on your hands. Parts are getting harder and harder to come by for those engines.

In the end, it’s your truck and your money. Do what you want. He’s just trying to minimize the grief.

 

[johnv]

Gonna have a shop do a full diagnostic test on it when I'm paid and will have to see what they say.