overheated 2008 4.0 V6

[my08ranger]

I loaned my 2008 Ranger to my sister while I was out of town and it overheated on her. When I got home and checked the radiator I could not see fluid in it so I am thinking probably a bad hose. I also found a rodent nest on the top of the motor, passenger side towards the rear of the engine compartment. When I removed said nest I found a line beneath it with a big hole chewed in it. I don’t know if this was the cause of the problem or if it is even related to the coolant system but I've got to start somewhere and need help identifying the line.

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks like a heater hose. If so, that would definitely be your problem or be one of your problems. Looks like you can replace that with regular hose (pay by the foot) from the store without having to order specific hose.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I agree with Eric. You might be able to get away with just a splice, meaning no new hose needed.
Hopefully the engine is ok.

 

[adsm08]

Yup, that is a coolant take-off for the heated PCV. If it has a hole you will loose coolant.

 

[Dirtman]

If I remeber correctly though you can use the non heated pcv and just block that hose off. Especially living in ole miss.

 

[my08ranger]

Thanks for the response. I will get a new hose and put it on.

My intent here is to get it to the point where I can get it to a mechanic and let them check it out. Hopefully, the motor is OK. I thought I would put water in after I replace the hose and then start it and see if I can spot any more leaks. I know I can’t leave it with just water in it, but if I can get it to a shop they can drain it and put antifreeze in

 

[Dirtman]

Antifreeze is also an anti corrosive and a better coolant than water. It's fine to run on water only but not recommend for any length of time. The 2.9 (the little sister of the 4.0) would crack heads if overheated in the slightest but I dont believe the 4.0 had those issues. You will know right away if any damage was done once you start it. Pretty sure you'll be fine just getting the hose fixed, and a good coolant flush and fill. A pressure test wouldn't hurt if your going to a mechanic anyway. Takes 5 minutes so they shouldn't charge much.

 

[adsm08]

Antifreeze is also an anti corrosive and a better coolant than water. It's fine to run on water only but not recommend for any length of time. The 2.9 (the little sister of the 4.0) would crack heads if overheated in the slightest but I dont believe the 4.0 had those issues. You will know right away if any damage was done once you start it.

The early 4.0s did. It should take quite a bit to kill an 08.

I've seen the 06-10 4.0s overheated quite often because that generation of the Explorer had serious radiator issues.

 

[Dirtman]

The early 4.0s did. It should take quite a bit to kill an 08.

I'm still gunshy with overheating after dealing with the 4.7...

 

[my08ranger]

Well I got one end of the hose off but I have no idea how to get the other end off. Any advice?

 

[Dirtman]

Ehhh.... it's already destroyed, just cut it very very gently with a razor blade? Think it was designed as one solid peice.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Cut the bad spot out of the hose and splice it together with a union or two.

 

[G8orFord]

Cut it by the hole and splice it with a straight nipple for now.