Coolant leak

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

I seem to have antifreeze dripping on occasion from the drivers side front of the block.Seems to be just above the water pump and under the AC compressor.I changes out the thermostat and gasket cause I thought that was the problem.Almost seemed to do the trick and then a couple weeks later the leaks started again.
I'm guessing this could be a head gasket.I have no noticable antifreeze in the oil.Truck doesn't smoke at all.Starts fine,idles fine.
Just have this nuisance coolant drip.Some days it wont drip any,other days there's a small puddle under the drivers side front area.
As the leak seems to be external,would a quick fix like Bars leak work for now?
I really dread pulling the head/heads off before winter sets in.
Any help would be greatly appriciated.

1994 4.0 liter

 

[Explorin94]

I would atleast take the front accessories off to see exactly where the leak is. It could just be a freeze plug. Making it 10 times easier than the other job. As for using Bars Leak I wouldn't. That stuff doesn't get circulated all the way and can sometimes create hot spots in the heads and block causing damage that you first didn't have. Do yourself a favor take a half day and see what you got before you guess at it and fix the wrong thing. That is just me 2 cents take it for what it is worth.

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Thanks for the info,Brett.
I can definitely see rust rust stain coming from the corner of the block running down the engine and onto the cross support.
I have never changed out the water pump.The preivious owner may have,but I've had the truck for like 10 years.
Perhaps it's time to get that done and see what else might be the issue.
I was just hoping to buy some time and do this in the spring.

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Maybe when I get home tonight I could snap a few pictures.
It's been getting dark early.I'll see if I can pull it into the garage.
And point a screwdriver at it.

 

[gman-1970]

If it's the intake manifold gasket, i'd replace it sooner than later. Mine was just an annoying leak until it let lose one day at work - it was blowing out like a hose was wide open. Had to stop every 3 miles on the way home and fill it up - good thing I only live 15 miles away as 5 gallons BARELY got me home!