Minor 4.0 problem.... please help!!!

[cr_the_machinist]

I have a 1999 Ranger with the 4.0 OHV (76,000 miles) and there is a minor problem starting to develop in my cooling system. My coolant is slightly murky and I have to top off my system every once and a while (like every 3~4 weeks). When I start it up in the morning it runs a little rough but it shape its self up after 5~10 of idling and run fine. Also when I sit at a light I will notice that the engine will sputter one or twice every once and a while almost like it is mis-firing or back-firing. It will only shutter once, it won't idle rough. Also the exhaust has a slight white haze to it when I first start it up but then it disappears once she warms up. I have been scratching my head for about a month now thinking of this problem. I'm thinking that I may have a lower intake manifold leak??? I would think if the head gasket went, it would run like crap all the time. I'm I pretty good week-end warrier but I'm not the most battle aged mechanic. I was woundering if any of you fellows out there have had this sort of problem before? Any input would be much appeariated. This is my daily drive so I'd like to get this fixing before the situation regresses.

 

[mhughes165]

I have a 1999 Ranger with the 4.0 OHV (76,000 miles) and there is a minor problem starting to develop in my cooling system. My coolant is slightly murky and I have to top off my system every once and a while (like every 3~4 weeks). When I start it up in the morning it runs a little rough but it shape its self up after 5~10 of idling and run fine. Also when I sit at a light I will notice that the engine will sputter one or twice every once and a while almost like it is mis-firing or back-firing. It will only shutter once, it won't idle rough. Also the exhaust has a slight white haze to it when I first start it up but then it disappears once she warms up. I have been scratching my head for about a month now thinking of this problem. I'm thinking that I may have a lower intake manifold leak??? I would think if the head gasket went, it would run like crap all the time. I'm I pretty good week-end warrier but I'm not the most battle aged mechanic. I was woundering if any of you fellows out there have had this sort of problem before? Any input would be much appeariated. This is my daily drive so I'd like to get this fixing before the situation regresses.

it sounds like headgasket has a minor leak, after the vehicle sits then coolant will collect in the combustion chamber, upon initial running itll burn off and the smooth out, but ever once and a while when the plug gets wet itll stumble, its a common way for the head gaskets togo on the 4.0.

but, i would check the lower intake first, bcause it may be leaking coolant into one of the cambers that way. that would eb the much easier fix.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

Yeah, that sounds logical. Hope to get in there with-in the next 2~3 weeks. Thanks for the input.

 

[bottledgt]

pretty sure the intake on them is air only. the coolant is a seperate part in the front. that said, the intake gaskets are bad about sealing and will cause a stumble or rough running/lean condition. it may or may not be that though. ive fixed a few that were leaking air there. but the coolant thing could be a head gasket,or you could have both problems. OR you could have a cracked thermostat housing. i had coolant disapearing for awhile. its hard to find cause it leaks under the intake and burns away and its real hard to see in there. once you get the thermostat housing off, youll see its plastic. i couldnt find the crack at first but i did see slight green on the outside of it. i had to twist it back and forth in the light before i discovered a slight crack in it. ground it out and epoxied it and havent had a problem since

 

[cr_the_machinist]

Yeah, thanks for the heads up man. I'll be sure to check that out when I jump in there.