Oil Cooler line leak?

[2000Ranger3.slo]

Hey guys, quick question. I have 2002 Mercury Mountaineer 4.0L V6 4x2 its the same as an explorer so i hope someone can help. I was changing the oil the other day and i noticed a small drip of green coolant on a cross member under the oil filter. I got to looking and i noticed one of the lines coming into the oil filter adapter was leaking a small amount of coolant. My only guess is this is an engine oil cooler but no where i look can i find an oil cooler hose. I need some help on what to do. Its not like its spraying coolant but its a small leak and i dont wnat it getting worse. This hose is rubber at the radiator and going towards the oil filter about 6-8 inches from the filter it has some kind of union looking deal, its not all rubber from the radiator to the oil cooler... i need some help or ideas. It has two hoses/lines and my only guess is oil cooler, do i replace with the same diameter all rubber hose or what?

 

[Mac]

Totally would like to help but don't have any info, shop manuals for that application. Got pictues of what the 5.0L looks like but no clue with the 4.0L. Get a picture, that always helps.
Stay safe tonight!
Dave

 

[hopster]

I dont remember a 4.0 ever coming with an oil cooler but if there is one it will be where the filter screws on and will be a finned aluminum unit most likely. I think your coolant is coming from somewhere else and dripping there but i have been wrong before.

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

Yea, where the oil filter screws in..the unit has two hose attached. I followed the one I believe to be leaking to the bottom of the radiator. I'll look into more when i'm home and have some daylight left. anymore ideas, keep em' coming..

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

Ok, well here is a picture with my cell phone. Not the best but hope someone can help.To begin, this is an oil cooler correct? The line that the arrow is pointing to is the one with the small leak. You see how there is a small portion from the "cooler" to the arrow that is rubber hose, then the metal thingy at the arrow and beyond that where you cant see is a metal tube running to the engine or radiator(cant remeber which). My leak is coming from the metal thingy the arrow is at...now, how do i fix this? Can i cut this section out and replace with a lentght of rubber hose? I hope this pic can get an answer-

 

[adsm08]

you sure this isn't a 4.6 explorer? That looks more like a V-8 setup.

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

Im pretty positive...2002 Mercury mountaineer V6 4.0L 4x2 automatic- complete with plastic plenum and all

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

this is the original picture before i zoomed in on the oil filter and put an arrow on my problem...

 

[adsm08]

what side of the vehicle is this on? I need orientation to figure this out.

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

This would the right(passenger) side...the picture was taken on the right side looking down, it was the only way i could get a decent pic with my phone. let me know what else you need to help me fix this.

 

[hopster]

If understand correctly it is leaking down the hose off what i think is a crimp fitting on the hose. how badly does it leak? is it affecting your coolant level?

 

[2000Ranger3.slo]

You're right. That crimp fitting is dripping. The level is kind of low, it doesnt leak bad, not on the drive way or nothing. But, i dont want it to become a big issue one day driving down the road. I cant find a repalce ment.. Im trying to find out, if i removed that section, could i just replace with all rubber? Does the crimped part serve any special purpose?

 

[hopster]

well the cooling system only has about 15-16 PSI so i would say if you do it correctly there should be no problems.