cooling system

2002 FORD RANGER
148,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD
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CLAUDEROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Temperature gauge wasn't working-replaced thermostat with housing, dropped transmission and replaced metal tube through firewall. Heater works good, but has smell of leakage but find no spill or leak. Drove a distance and check gauge light went on and the temperature gauge was up, between normal and hot.
Dec 28, 2018 at 5:19 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Did you do a pressure test for the leak?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

What tube through the firewall? I do not know of any pipe that the transmission needs to be dropped to install.

Roy
Dec 28, 2018 at 5:41 AM
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CLAUDEROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
my mechanic did a pressure test. There was a metal tube with rubber on both sides that he replaced that was behind. It had pin holes in it. He said he had to drop the transmission to get to it. I just drove it for thirty minutes with heater {works} on high and nothing happened-no overheat gauge or red light. It still smells.
Dec 28, 2018 at 6:13 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, if it smells it is leaking somewhere.

I would put some leak dye in the system. it will turn the coolant very bright green. if it is leaking, you will see it.

Roy
Dec 28, 2018 at 6:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
yep, go to the parts store and get the small tube of coolant dye. just add it to the coolant and drive it.

Roy
Dec 28, 2018 at 6:23 AM
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