Howdy guys,
New member here. I inherited my dad’s trusty 1994 B3000 3.0 4x2 automatic (only 51k miles!). In the past year, I’ve fixed several simple things, replacing broken window regulators/motors and the rear window. Most recently, a shop replaced the transmission modulator for me after the truck started spewing out ATF (it started overheating too when this happened, so I pulled over right away and ended up towing it to the shop).

I’ve hardly driven it since then because I needed to do the brakes, but it seemed fine. I pulled it in the driveway this week to work on the brakes and discovered an active coolant leak. It actually now leaks even with the motor off, and the reservoir is nearly empty last I checked (it was near the max line a couple days ago). Searching the forums, I’ve read about everything from a cracked hose to timing cover to cracked heads, and I have a hard time telling where the source of the leak is. I’m still not that familiar with this truck and would appreciate if anyone might have some clues or suspicions where the leak might be so I can examine more closely.

Here’s a photo. The center of the photo is where there’s a lot of fluid on the motor, so it must be coming from somewhere above that area. Coolant’s dripping down to the ground where the red arrow is drawn (between the block and the belt pulley). Last I checked it was a slow drip (engine off).

Appreciate any help and suggestions, thanks!

 

Oh boy, someone just bumped up this thread: https://www.ranger-forums.com/2-9l-3...gasket-166480/

Given the location of the fluid on my truck, it seems I may have either a water pump leak or the dreaded timing cover gasket problem?

I found this advice on that thread from @RonD for identifying the root cause:
What’s the best way to assess this? What’s the best vantage point to look for the weep hole versus the side? Do I need to get underneath the truck for that? Thanks!

 

I found this great video which clearly shows where the weep holes are:

 

Looks like it's been leaking for quite a while. I'd spray some engine cleaner on it and low pressure wash the area. Let dry. Check coolant level then run to see if the leak was obvious. If not, throw some UV dye in the coolant and shine a black light. Finding the leak is best done before the fan has a chance to blow it everywhere. If you remove the belt, you can see if the water pump pulley is free of movement side to side or up and down or makes noise. I've also had a few water pumps that had 2 weep holes, one on top and one on bottom. Have no idea why they would put one on top. lol

 

Thanks @Grumpa !

I actually crawled under the truck to inspect things more closely before seeing your reply. I ran the engine and discovered the bottom weep hole (mine doesn’t seem to have an upper weep hole) is dumping out fluid. So the water pump definitely needs to be replaced. The reservoir is empty but the radiator itself was still full. With the engine off, it’s barely leaking anymore, just a little bit over the course of a day.

I also saw dampness on the side. This would suggest the timing cover gasket is on its way out but maybe not yet totally gone, does that seem right?

Please see photo below noting where the dampness is going down the side. Does it look like I can get away with just changing the water pump right now and waiting longer before dealing with the timing cover gasket? Thanks so much!

 

Well.. I actually did this not too long ago. All the things that need to be taken apart just to change the water pump is the majority. Might as well go a few extra steps and do the timing cover gasket while you're there. Removing the radiator will give extra room to work and you'll be less likely to damage it working around it. The harmonic balance will require a puller. Many auto places have ones you can rent or buy. An impact wrench will make the bolt removal a breeze.