Hi, I have a 2007 Ranger 4.0, 4x4, with coolant on top of the engine/intake left (driver’s) side. Only reason for it being there that I can think of is an intake gasket leak. I’ve worked on a lot of things, but I don’t know this engine. I would gratefully appreciate any wisdom that you would be willing to share. You can't see it in this pic, but it's down there, lol.

Thanks!!

DD

 

V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine is notorious for several things,
including a JunkPlastic ThermoStatHousing that typically splits along HotGluedBodySeam & leaks back under IntakeManifold into EngineValley,
makes swamp that cooks from Engine heat & has sweet Coolant smell; as leak worsens overflows to rear over TransBellHousing then to ground.
Recommended fix is to replace JunkPlastic TStatHousing with an Aluminum version.
Your local PartsCounter typically only stocks JunkPlastic OEM or AfterMarket versions;
Aluminum version needs to be ordered, pricing has gotten comparable.
Need to confirm if you have 1 or 2 ClipOnTempSensorHoles & RightFacing or ForwardFacing RadiatorHoseBarb on that Housing.
Take a Flash\ShopLight & inspect front top of engine with VanityThrottleBodyCover removed, look back under IntakeManifold,
to confirm that TStatHousing is leaking & what subversion of the Housing you need.
Click here for more info on TStatHousing for V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine.
Hopefully this helps.

PS: Consider renewing TimingTensioners while you've got TStatHousing out of the way.

 

Regarding the advice above, " Consider renewing TimingTensioners while you've got TStatHousing out of the way"
The tensioner replacement requires removal of the upper intake section too, yes?.

Besides whatever goes with the replacement thermostat housing, what gaskets are needed to reassemble after you've replaced the tensioners?

 

I've replaced LeftFront TimingTensioner &\or TStatHousing both ways, leaving IntakeManifold in place or removing it for better access;
knowing the difficulty of working around\under that Manifold throat, yes I now choose to remove Manifold & save some choice cuss words.
ThrottleBody needs to come off either way (easy 4 LagBolts), so should renew that ORing\Seal at least.
If choice is to remove IntakeManifold, then that GasketSet should also be renewed.
Might as well cleanup the EngineV, reinsulate the KnockSensor cable with Scotch33ElecTape,
& give the Manifold+ThrottleBody+IACValve+EGRValve a good cleaning while you're there.
If engine was fitted with a PCVWarming 5/16"CoolantLoop, consider also deleting those useless parts while there.

 

Hey, Thanks for the replies! It’s fixed. I’ll go ahead and tell the story, but you don’t have to read it, lol. It has 140,000ish miles on it and we got it at about 3500 miles. The water pump went out, coolant was pouring out big time, so replaced that. I had a time with the fan clutch, which I’m sure you’re well aware of. FYI, my final solution was an air hammer. I had to make a divot using a baby sledge and a long pointed chisel and the air hammer was turned down low with a pointed tip on it. The nut came loose in about 5 seconds with me holding the pulley with my hand. Got it back together an I noticed it wasn’t building pressure as it warmed up. Got my son to take it for a short test drive, because by this time I had had a few beers, lol. It came back steaming and that’s when I decided to make my op. I got the complete assembly with thermostat and sensor from Advanced for about $75 after tax. It’s plastic, but I plan to sell this truck pretty soon. The old one wasn’t cracked, but the three tabs on the bottom were gone and I never found the O-ring. My son was driving it when it happened and he said that the temp gauge never got to red, but gauges don’t work very well when there’s no coolant, lol. It still runs smooth, so all is good.
Thanks again, y’all are great!!!
DD

 

Good that you've got the coolant leak fixed.
Hopefully broken plastic tabs from old TStatHousing bottom
are not stuck somewhere inside engine & blocking coolant flow?
When I do rarely install JunkPlastic TStatHousings, now trim the three flimsy PlasticTabs off bottom of new Housing before install;
three Bolts are sufficient to hold Housing in place on Block flange.
Then inspect Coolant passageways for old broken Tabs & pull them out when found.