New here

[Charlie13]

I am Charlie...nice to be here.
My ford ranger is loosing coolant but I don't know from where. Has new radiator, hoses, and pump. There is no sign of a leak. I even put a huge piece of cardboard under. Once when hot and when cool. Nada.
Is there a dye I can safely use to look for ?

 

[doorgunner]

Use the red dye designed to detect coolant leaks......also check the dipstick to see if the engine oil is dis-colored/milky looking etc. from coolant slowly leaking into the oil pan.

Let us know what the problem turns out to be in this same thread.

 

[red_rider]

Not sure if yours is a 4 cylinder or not, but I had a similar issue and eventually found out it was the heater control valve. Just something to check.

 

[PanamaExpat]

The V6 OHV has a nasty habit of the lower intake gasket springing a leak into one of the ports and then the coolant goes out the tailpipe and you won't know where it is going. Just a suggestion as I have not actually seen or know enough details about your truck.

By the way.... WELCOME TO TRS

 

[straycat]

Cracked head maybe? Water disappears out the tail pipe? Pressure test the radiator and see what happens.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Pressure test for sure.

I have a small leak on my 4.0 been losing about a quart of coolant every few months. never saw any drips on the ground or engine. Found the bastard last week, the hose where it clamps to the water inlet/ thermostat housing is leaking. I just happened to notice a small wet greenish sheen on the wiring harness to one of the sensors right under where the hose connects to the water inlet. usually evaporates before it gets on the ground. Probably need to replace the thermostat housing (and the hose again...)

AJ

 

[Andy D]

Ssshhh, Be vewy, vewy, quiet. Cooling system in the Rat works really well. I topped off the coolant when I got it home. The level in the tank hasn't moved since then. It is going to have give me reason before I touch it. Not having AC may give the radiator more cooling area.