2011 Ranger Sport 4.0L 145K miles. This like my other Rangers runs hotish, always midway on the temp gauge. I replaced the water pump last year, and this year it was leaking antifreeze around the thermostat, but since my hands have arthritis and some places were going to be hurtful, so I took it to local independent shop 3 weeks ago that had done my clutch a couple years ago after a different place screwed that up.

I told them what I thought it was, the thermostat and housing, and they confirmed saying they did a pressure test and replaced both. $960 which I thought was high, but it was fixed... 1 week and 50 miles later the coolant tank is half full. I live in the PNW, and it has not been overly warm. I use the truck a few times a week, a 5 mile jaunt 2-3 times and shopping, so generally under 50 miles a week. So, I took it back, and they found the little hose between the water pump and thermostat housing was bad. I complained that they should've found that in the initial repair and they semi agreed, and that I only had to pay them $360 which I was not very happy about and vowing I was going to come on Reddit and see what others have to say before I write another shop off my list of places to go.

Yesterday, a week and 35 miles driven after the 2nd fix, the tank is half full again! I do not see any leaks, all the hoses look fine and I have no issue with white smoke exhaust which would be indicative of a blown head gasket.

Has anyone had an issue like this of a leak that supposedly doesn't show on a pressure or visual test? Should I demand they fix it for free? I called them yesterday, but was too pissed to make an appointment right away and told them I would call back in a couple days.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer.

 

Is the block rusty inside?
A metal or plastic 'stat housing?
Local tradesman, be civil. Were they careless?
What's your average mpg?