2000 ranger xlt 3.0 2wd
 

Here recently I’ve had issues with my cooling system. I have to fill my radiator almost everyday and it’s costing me more than the truck did all together. I put coolant in the radiator, about a quarter of coolant in the reservoir tank before I go to work. When I come home I check it and the radiator is nearly empty and the reservoir has overflowed. What should I check first? This is my first ranger but I love the little bastard.

A bad radiator cap can and will cause those symptoms, that's the first thing I'd replace

Thanks I’ll pick one up today and give it a shot

I don't do private messages, nothing against you, but someone else may find this thread useful, or have other ideas.
Then my guess is cracked head or blown head gasket, recommend doing the "Glove Test" , can be found here
https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...0/#post2196995

Thinking 2011Supercab above has hit on on, but here are some other simple tests in addition to the suggested "glove test" (new one to me, BTW, but makes sense).

1. Open your oil filler cap and see if you have butterscotch colored creme inside the cap or just inside the edge of the valve cover. This would indicate water getting into your oil and likely a blown head gasket.
   
2. Wipe your finger inside the tip of the exhaust pipe:
   a) Dry, gray, powdery = GOOD
   b) Wet, oily, washes off with water = BAD, coolant leak into cylinders
   c) Wet, oily, does not wash off with water = BAD, burning oil, likely oil control rings
   
3. Drive about 20-30 mph, floor the accelerator pedal. Is there visible white smoke coming out exhaust? Coolant leak into cylinders. Likely bad head gasket.
   
4. Get a pressure tester for your coolant system:
   www.amazon.com/s?k=coolant+system+pressure+tester&crid=2QSZZU1JA0KE0&sprefix=coolant+system+%2Caps%2C141&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_15
   www.amazon.com/s?k=coolant+system+pressure+tester&crid=2QSZZU1JA0KE0&sprefix=coolant+system+%2Caps%2C141&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_15
   
   
5. www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-BT-500-Combustion-Leak/dp/B06VVBSFTF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3P1D8FE1UZ05I&keywords=coolant+system+exhaust+tester&qid=1671902604&sprefix=coolant+system+exhaust+tester%2Caps%2C61&sr=8-3
   www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-BT-500-Combustion-Leak/dp/B06VVBSFTF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3P1D8FE1UZ05I&keywords=coolant+system+exhaust+tester&qid=1671902604&sprefix=coolant+system+exhaust+tester%2Caps%2C61&sr=8-3
   . Sometimes useful, especially for very small leaks before they become big leaks (not that it will do you much good other than to know you need to replace the head gasket(s)
   
6. Cylinder compression test. Leakdown tester is better, but more expensive tools.

The coolant pressure tester is always a good idea, because a blown head gasket can over-pressurize your coolant system and blow your radiator.

Good luck!