So my 98 ranger 4.0 is leaking, no pouring coolant. At first, I thought It may be the head gasket. There was smoke coming from the front, but the tailpipe had no white smoke in it so I ruled out that. I was worried but then thought *at quick glance* it could be the thermostat causing it to overheat. So I changed thermostats. I turned her on and then noticed she was still pouring fluid. I then changed the water pump because it did look as though it was coming from the water pump, once again at quick glance. Turned her back on, and shes still pouring coolant. I actually looked more into it and I can honestly say I have no idea where it could be leaking from. Alls I can say for sure is that it cant be the thermostat and it cant be the water pump, but it is losing so much. I just want to get her back on the road for winter. Is there anyone who knows anything I may have missed?

 

My 4.0l OHV, and others, will leak coolant from the lower intake manifold where it meets the head, passenger side front.
Aluminum intake and iron head causes gasket to fail there.
Have a close look there

 

Would this apply for an '03 with the 4.0 SOHC? Its wet in the valley and it wasn't the hose I thought.

 

My 02 4.0 SOHC was wet in the valley and it was the thermostat housing that was leaking. Not a fun job to replace. Difficult to get to and finding O-rings for the housing is next to impossible. I ended up just buying a complete new housing from Rock Auto.

 

Yup, that's what it was. Replaced the whole housing as well. Thanks