Odd coolant leak / Starter oil leak??

[iplayloudly]

2004 3.0 edge 2wd

So first of all, I have coolant running down the oil pan on the passenger side, and dripping off the drain plug. I know its coolant because I have dye in it. I also smell burning coolant when the truck is hot. Nothing is leaking around the top of the engine, nor is the water pump / gasket leaking. All I can think of is maybe the lower intake at the back of the engine. But I can't seem to get a good view of it. Anyone else had this problem?

Also, I noticed some kind of oil (not engine oil, its a dark gray color) leaking out of a hole on the bottom of the starter. What is heck is this?

 

[tbirdsps]

Still coolant more than likely coming out of the starter. The coolant is washing out the gunk in the starter. Starter bearing failure coming?

Consider that it could be a "freeze" plug leaking either on the back of the head or the rear most plug on the engine block.

 

[06RangerXLT]

yea im gonna say coolant out of the starter as well. but in that area, if its auto, your torque converter may have a leak and is slinging ATF in there. or the input seal in the trans. theres a few things. smell and taste is the best diag.

 

[iplayloudly]

Ok so how does coolant get into the starter? I've never heard of a starter with coolant lines running into it...

 

[locovaca]

If you're absolutely sure that's coolant there's only two things above there that could be leaking it: a freeze plug or the lower intake. There aren't any (factory) hoses running above there.

 

[michaellloyd]

Sounds like the same problem I'm having. I have a '93 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0 V6 and the starter started clicking and not turning over the engine. After throwing away some money with one repair shop who couldn't find the problem with the starter, they sent the truck to the dealership who said that I had coolant leaking onto the starter causing the starter to go bad. I've been trying to figure out where the coolant was coming from. I'm going to see if I can find and check the freeze plug and the lower intake. Thanks for that valuable info.

 

[Hillyard]

I have the exact same leak on my 2004 3.0 right now. What did you discover it to be? I have a 4x4 so I can't see anything in there, I guess I'm going to have to start removing stuff until I can find what's leaking.

 

[det107]

The big shots at FoMoCo decided to put the oil filter housing way too close to the starter & if oil filter not fitted/ turned tight, it will drip or 'leak' on the starter. As for the coolant leak, check to see if timing cover gasket is wet-

 

[bg@f.ord]

The heater hoses have plastic fittings.Over time you could be doing plug wire replacement,Etc.If you look @ the hoses wrong they leak.I love my truck,but Ford could have done better.This is notorious for coolant leaks