Water leak
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From: Cottage Grove
Water leak
2002 3.0 4cyl Got a water leak we're trying to chase down.
Our temp guage is always in the middle.
Leak seems to be near the water pump area.
We have changed the thermosat, Is there a Bleeder Vavle? Where?
Checked the water pump which is good.
This is a closed radiator system so how to check radiator? Is there any place else to check for the leak?
Any & all imput is welcome
Our temp guage is always in the middle.
Leak seems to be near the water pump area.
We have changed the thermosat, Is there a Bleeder Vavle? Where?
Checked the water pump which is good.
This is a closed radiator system so how to check radiator? Is there any place else to check for the leak?
Any & all imput is welcome
Last edited by Runningfawn; Jul 2, 2023 at 03:01 PM.
Welcome to the forum
3.0l has a few known coolant leak points
At the top front are two metal elbows, looks like this: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...e-dscn0298.jpg
The one with the ECT sensor screwed into it is the one that usually rusts out and leaks
New one seen here: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lloAA...uL/s-l1200.jpg
For part number
Other place is the front cover, real pain to repair
The water pump is bolted to this front engine cover, and there are 2 coolant passages that pass thru the front cover, they can leak
Google: ford ranger 3.0l front cover coolant leak
Lots of videos on this, watch a few to see if this might be the leak point
Easiest way to ID a leak point is with a COLD engine and a cooling system pressure test kit, you can rent them and some auto parts stores loan them for free
The kit has a radiator cap with a pressure gauge and a hand pump
Top up coolant
Install the new cap and pump up the pressure to 20psi
Wait and watch
Pressure will drop, CONFIRMING A LEAK
But with engine stone cold the coolant will also not evaporate like it will on a warm engine, it will drip down to the ground
And you can use your hands and eyes to find the leak without burnt fingers
There are also UV Dyes you can add to the coolant, these dyes are invisible except when a UV flashlight is shined on them
So no visible stains
After driving and then cool down you can trace the leak/dye trail back to its origin
3.0l has a few known coolant leak points
At the top front are two metal elbows, looks like this: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...e-dscn0298.jpg
The one with the ECT sensor screwed into it is the one that usually rusts out and leaks
New one seen here: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lloAA...uL/s-l1200.jpg
For part number
Other place is the front cover, real pain to repair
The water pump is bolted to this front engine cover, and there are 2 coolant passages that pass thru the front cover, they can leak
Google: ford ranger 3.0l front cover coolant leak
Lots of videos on this, watch a few to see if this might be the leak point
Easiest way to ID a leak point is with a COLD engine and a cooling system pressure test kit, you can rent them and some auto parts stores loan them for free
The kit has a radiator cap with a pressure gauge and a hand pump
Top up coolant
Install the new cap and pump up the pressure to 20psi
Wait and watch
Pressure will drop, CONFIRMING A LEAK
But with engine stone cold the coolant will also not evaporate like it will on a warm engine, it will drip down to the ground
And you can use your hands and eyes to find the leak without burnt fingers
There are also UV Dyes you can add to the coolant, these dyes are invisible except when a UV flashlight is shined on them
So no visible stains
After driving and then cool down you can trace the leak/dye trail back to its origin
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