So heres the deal, I posted a question a month or so back relating to leaking antifreeze. The problem was that I was driving my truck (4.0L V6 93 Ranger XLT) when I noticed that I was leaking coolant. It seemed to be running down along air filter and engine, and making a puddle just about directly under the engine. It doesn't look like its coming from the reservoir, although there is a little around it from time to time. I was told that it was more than likely a loose hose, or one in need of a replacement. I asked if it would damage it any further to drive it, and was told other than wasting the coolant, no. I recently drove it with a virtually full reservoir, and by a half an hour, it was not only empty, but there was a lot of steam coming from beneath the hood (I would assume just from the very hot coolant dripping?).
I don't know what would be best. I'm in broke mode, so I don't want to take it to a mechanic, but need to fix it....
Any suggestions....?

 

Also I just hit 60K miles, so I'd like a tune up, think they'd fix it during that?

 

Being a leak of that magnitude, I say you have a leaky or split hose for sure. I know a common problem with the 3.0L's is the water pump seal will retract when the engine cools causing the coolant to leak out.

 

i would no longer drive the truck. It is under warranty so they should fix it as long as its a defect in the hose or seal. If you off roaded and punctured something its abuse and not covered. as to a tune up its not needed the plugs and all last to 100K at 60k they do a trans service oil filters and fluid changes not sure what else its been so long

 

Okay, is the Hose a difficult self fix, or expensive mechanic fix?
Also would a 3 hour drive back to my parents house be out of the question?
I can't do much with it where its located...

 

with no coolant, the steam you see is the engine over-heating, and it is not safe to drive it back unless you fill the resevoir and stop along the way to add to it (not letting it run empty)

 

depending on which hose it is it could probably be an easy fix... but on the other hand... if it is somthing more major then it could be difficult. i would fill the radiator and the resovoir and then let it get warm then try to find where the leak is.. then you can determine the difficulty of the problem

 

i agree with levelII fill it up and run the truck and crawl under if you can take a pic of it post here if you dont see its a hose... Most hoses are pretty easy with a decent screwdriver or 1/4" drive ratchet/socket set if its the water pump or something like that well time to beg mom and dad to lend ya the money if youre not mechanically inclined

 

It could also be a seal that let go. Hoses are really easy to replace too.

 

dont run it hot you will blow both head gaskets and youll be better off replacing the engine