So my daughter's 2011 4.0 with 102000 miles has a coolant leak. I took some time yesterday and looked it over and found that there is coolant puddling on the intake, beneath the throttle body. Its running down the right front corner, hitting the crossmember, and dripping on to the floor. I replaced the water pump last fall and it appears dry. So do the hoses and the area where the heads and block come together. On my 99 4.0 I had to replace the intake manifold gasket for a coolant leak in about the same place. but now I read where Ford changed the design around 2003 so coolant doesnt pass through the intake manifold anymore. I also read where it may be the thermostat housing. Any thoughts? I'm hoping to narrow things down before I take it apart.

Thanks

Allen

 

V6~4.0L Engine in 2000+Prior Rangers is older OHV; V6~4.0L in 2001~2012 Rangers+SportTracs is the SOHC;
two completely different engines.
V6~4.0L~SOHC is well known for the junk Plastic TStatHousing being a NotoriousFailureItem; 90% VegasOdds this is your leak.
Tends to split along HotGlued seam & spray coolant back into cave below IntakeManifold; makes a smelly grimey swamp that cooks with engine heat.
Highly recommend replacing with an Aluminum version. Click here for more info on swapping to an Aluminum ThermoStatHousing.
Hope this helps.

 

Thanks. I was hoping it might be the thermostat housing. I was a little surprised to see Ford glued 2 pieces of plastic together when it has hot coolant running through it. On the other hand it did last 102000 miles and 11 years. I'll start there.

Allen

 

Consider renewing left OilPressurized TimingTensioner, if not done in last ~75kMiles,
while TStatHousing is out of the way.

 

Will do. I may have to tap in to the dad funds, as daughter is on a tight budget right now. But I will get it fixed right.