2000 Ford Ranger Excessive Coolant Loss, Antifreeze Smell w

HOGAN5651

MEMBER
2000 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

A couple of years ago, a freeze plug sprung a leak and caused overheating. I replaced the freeze plug and for a while had no problems. This past summer, the egine backfired one morning, and since that time has smoked white smoke for the first few minutes of operation. After it warms up and runs a few minutes, the smoke stops. When I turn the heater on, I smell antifreeze, and the heater doesn't work very well. I also burn a lot more coolant when I operate the heater. I was told there was possible a blown head gasket and I ran BLue Devil gasket sealant. That resolved the problem for a while, but eventually wore off. Also, while running sealing compound through my system, I had to turn the heat on per instructions. I noticed that the compressor cuts off sporadically and after a few seconds will restart itself. Are the problems related? Will compressor failure cause coolant leaks?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

First, the compressor is designed to cycle, so that isn't a problem. As far as the coolant, if you smell it with the heater on, chances are the core is leaking. As far as the white smoke from the exhaust, are you sure it isn't just condensation burning off? If you are sure, I recommend doing a compression test on the engine to see if there is a low cylender. Here is a how to for checking the compression. Check it and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_check_compression.htm

Joe