91 4.0 coolant leak

[Christoph]

I'm looking at buying a 91 Explorer for $400. The guy says it's leaking coolant between the engine block and transmission. He fills it every time before he goes out and only takes it on short trips and when he drives it, it leaks fairly quickly he said.

He's guessing a rusted freeze plug.

Any other ideas and difficulty in repairing (ie. is it worth it to buy)?

 

[MAKG]

Core plugs are a BITCH to change because you almost always have to pull the engine to get at them.

It could instead be a loose/blown lower intake gasket (much easier) or a blown head/head gasket (much nastier).

You're going to have to get a look at it to decide if it's worth it. The cost of the other parts are worth more than $400, but is it worth it to you to tear it up and sell all the crap if it turns out to be a two ton paperweight?

 

[Simple_serf]

That's the same area that Mweidner's 4.0 was leaking from. It was the lower intake gasket on his.

Take a rad. pressure tester with you, and then see if you can see the leak. I'd say go for it if the rest of the truck is ok, and there isn't any oil/antifreeze mixing.

 

[Christoph]

Thanks guys. I'm gonna try to take a look at it tomorrow. It's needs a few other things like the 4wd shift motor and a couple electric window motors need replacing also. Overall, it's a decent truck except for the coolant leak.

 

[AllanD]

the core plugs on the back of the engine are EASY to get at... AFTER you've dropped the transmission...

Even the ones on the backs of the cylinder heads are easily accessable when the tranny is on the floor.

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[Christoph]

Well it doesn't matter now. The guy sold it while I was on my way there to look at it.