Newbie here...

[Jo-Riley]

Can you get a picture from other side? Water flows downhill, there's no leak on side shown.

It is nice green.

Hi Don
I added 2 pics to my media folder called leak
I'm not sure how to add the pics. I forgot what I did earlier.
It's dark out now...I will add to my must do list tomorrow.

 

[don4331]

So long as you have coolant in the radiator, you won't have an overheating issue. (Remove radiator cap when cold, fluid should be right there). Wipe up the coolant that has leaked so you can determine if it is still leaking and how fast.

Aside: Not much cooling needs to happen through the radiator when driving on hi-way in Minnesota this time of year. Way back in the day, I put a rock through the radiator of my Dodge Omni. We drove 200+ miles after without even noticing - only when we got into city did we have a problem. (Which wasn't helped by clutch throw out bearing failing at same time). Once radiator was replaced, the car ran fine for 3 more years that I had the car.​

​

I'm not sure if there is a crack where the fan shroud bolt to rad. If there isn't any green coolant higher than that point, I suspect that is your issue. (hopefully, you can locate what I have blown up in the bigger picture.

 

[RobbieD]

So long as you have coolant in the radiator, you won't have an overheating issue.

Yes, just make sure that the coolant doesn't get too low, until you can have the leak repaired. As long as you check the coolant level often, you should be able to maintain the level by adding more coolant to the reserviour tank. These are the important parts of the instructions for adding coolant from your truck's owners manual.

It would be best to check and top up the coolant before you start the truck and drive it. Be very careful if the engine is warm or hot!

If you don't have an owners manual for your truck, you can download a copy from here:
https://www.therangerstation.com/manuals/

Good luck; we're all hoping that you can get through this soon.

 

[Jo-Riley]

Found the leak. Also neighbor re tightened metal clasp it wasn't flush with radiator. Hose was about a quarter inch gap from radiator and yess Robbie the screw was not really tight.

 

[Jo-Riley]

I added video to my media. I hope you all can see the bubbles.
I want to say thank you. I've had such stress over what's wrong
You have all given me a lot of information which I am thankful for.
My next steps are:
1. JB weld the area within the next 2 hours
2. Find a heating pad to keep temp above freezing in garage.
3. Leave it alone for 24 hours
4. Search for a new radiator as cheap as possible.
5. Going to replace thermostat even if it fine. It's 24 years old so won't hurt anything
6. Check antifreeze levels.
7. Callback mechanic on Monday.
Thank you all

 

[Jo-Riley]

Yes, just make sure that the coolant doesn't get too low, until you can have the leak repaired. As long as you check the coolant level often, you should be able to maintain the level by adding more coolant to the reserviour tank. These are the important parts of the instructions for adding coolant from your truck's owners manual.

View attachment 101188

View attachment 101189

View attachment 101190

It would be best to check and top up the coolant before you start the truck and drive it. Be very careful if the engine is warm or hot!

If you don't have an owners manual for your truck, you can download a copy from here:
https://www.therangerstation.com/manuals/

Good luck; we're all hoping that you can get through this soon.

God bless you. Thank you!
Yes I even have the original CD with all receipts.
I bought this from a guy who retired from Ford. He helped put it together.

 

[Jo-Riley]

So long as you have coolant in the radiator, you won't have an overheating issue. (Remove radiator cap when cold, fluid should be right there). Wipe up the coolant that has leaked so you can determine if it is still leaking and how fast.

Aside: Not much cooling needs to happen through the radiator when driving on hi-way in Minnesota this time of year. Way back in the day, I put a rock through the radiator of my Dodge Omni. We drove 200+ miles after without even noticing - only when we got into city did we have a problem. (Which wasn't helped by clutch throw out bearing failing at same time). Once radiator was replaced, the car ran fine for 3 more years that I had the car.​

​

I'm not sure if there is a crack where the fan shroud bolt to rad. If there isn't any green coolant higher than that point, I suspect that is your issue. (hopefully, you can locate what I have blown up in the bigger picture.

View attachment 101187

It's on the top of the plastic "gooseneck" if that's the right word
Updates added
Thanks Don

 

[Jo-Riley]

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?media/img_20231103_115726_400-jpg.773/full

 

[RobbieD]

I'm really glad to hear that you've made such good progress.

Any questions on your truck, you've found the right place. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or opinions.

Best Wishes!

 

[gaz]

@Jo-Riley
I was once in your shoes, not that you sound scared to do the job yourself...but I was. For about $300

If you own a Phillips and flat tip screwdriver, socket set ($30), the Ford fan/clutch tool kit ($25) a complete new cooling system is this:
• a new radiator $100
• 2 new hoses/double clamps $60
• new water pump/gasket $60
• new thermostat/gasket $15
• tube of Permatex for cooling system $8
• 1 gl distilled water $1
• 1 gl 100% coolant $20

Just do one thing at a time
- remove fan shroud (probably the most difficult)
- remove the hoses 4 screws/bolts
- remove the radiator 2 bolts
- remove the thermostat housing 3 bolts
- remove the pump 11 or 12 small bolts

Clean the sealing surfaces then reverse the order with the new components. Don't ovrertighten, if it leaks, tighten a little.

 

[Jo-Riley]

Here is the estimate I got

 

[Jo-Riley]

Estimate

 

[Jo-Riley]

@Jo-Riley
I was once in your shoes, not that you sound scared to do the job yourself...but I was. For about $300

If you own a Phillips and flat tip screwdriver, socket set ($30), the Ford fan/clutch tool kit ($25) a complete new cooling system is this:
• a new radiator $100
• 2 new hoses/double clamps $60
• new water pump/gasket $60
• new thermostat/gasket $15
• tube of Permatex for cooling system $8
• 1 gl distilled water $1
• 1 gl 100% coolant $20

Just do one thing at a time
- remove fan shroud (probably the most difficult)
- remove the hoses 4 screws/bolts
- remove the radiator 2 bolts
- remove the thermostat housing 3 bolts
- remove the pump 11 or 12 small bolts

Clean the sealing surfaces the revers order with the new components. Don't ovrertighten, if it leaks, tighten a little.

I truly appreciate all the encouragement and effort you put into this post. My eyes are not the best as far as depth perception and complete focus. One is still healing the other is waiting for surgery.
If it were summer...I'd consider it.
I'm using a heating pad over the area I JB weld. Unheated garage. I wish anybody you repliers lived closer. I would then feel more confident. I know my six is covered if I goof. I'm going to get one more estimate
I know now after speaking to the mechanic who gave this estimate ...my reservoir is ok...but radiator could be low or emptying...
he said with the heat being spuratic that says it's low. Neighbor said something else. That's why I'm here. Truck is parked. No overheating. JB welding it in 15 minutes...then I'm walking to store for antifreeze and water.
thank you so much!!!
I hope I can afford this soon.
Lisa

 

[Jo-Riley]

Yes, just make sure that the coolant doesn't get too low, until you can have the leak repaired. As long as you check the coolant level often, you should be able to maintain the level by adding more coolant to the reserviour tank. These are the important parts of the instructions for adding coolant from your truck's owners manual.

View attachment 101188

View attachment 101189

View attachment 101190

It would be best to check and top up the coolant before you start the truck and drive it. Be very careful if the engine is warm or hot!

If you don't have an owners manual for your truck, you can download a copy from here:
https://www.therangerstation.com/manuals/

Good luck; we're all hoping that you can get through this soon.

Going to get antifreeze and distilled water after I JB weld.
Thank you

 

[don4331]

@Jo-Riley
I was once in your shoes, not that you sound scared to do the job yourself...but I was. For about $300

If you own a Phillips and flat tip screwdriver, socket set ($30), the Ford fan/clutch tool kit ($25) a complete new cooling system is this:
• a new radiator $100
• 2 new hoses/double clamps $60
• new water pump/gasket $60
• new thermostat/gasket $15
• tube of Permatex for cooling system $8
• 1 gl distilled water $1
• 1 gl 100% coolant $20

Just do one thing at a time
- remove fan shroud (probably the most difficult)
- remove the hoses 4 screws/bolts
- remove the radiator 2 bolts
- remove the thermostat housing 3 bolts
- remove the pump 11 or 12 small bolts

Clean the sealing surfaces the revers order with the new components. Don't ovrertighten, if it leaks, tighten a little.

Check the coolant in the radiator when you check the oil before you start it in morning. If either is low, fill up. That should have you good until you get permanent repair.

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I find removing 20+ year old hoses to the most difficult part - I usually wind up cutting them off.
I'm a wimp - I buy 2 gallons of 50/50 premix coolant and call it good.

Note: Critters (mice, cats, dogs, etc) find ethylene glycol sweet, but it is toxic to them so wipe up any puddles.