Coolant Leak - AGAIN

[larryinnewyork]

Hello all,

I have a 2002, Ford Ranger, 3L, V6, Vulcan Engine

Problem: Coolant leaking around timing chain cover, (again).

History: 6-22-2011 / 98,439 miles
I tried repairing myself but was unable.
(I did not have the experience or any help)
Ford Dealer replaced gasket behind timing chain cover.
That seemed to fix the leak.

Currently: 9-9-2013 / 113,250 miles
I see coolant around cover again.
I will be using a local mechanic to deal with it this time.
Because of the labor involved, this can be expensive ($800-1,000)

So, what I have since learned is, the (aluminum) timing chain cover may be corroded
I do not recall letting the coolant get so bad as to become acidic.
I will not know its condition until it's removed.

Question 1): Wheather the timing chain cover is reused or replaced,
would I be better off requesting a sealant be used with the gasket ? ? ?

Question 2): What type of sealant would be good ? ? ?
I always liked - Permatex #2

Question 3): If Permatex #2 or equvalant is used, should you still use a gasket ? ? ?


Question 4): I prefer not to use a leak sealer as it may cause other problems with the radiator/heater core. Is that a correct assumption ? ? ?

In conclusion: I would like to keep this vehicle 5-10 more years.
I will not stand for any coolant leaking, it's barbaric.

I thank everyone for their opinions.

 

[nitehawk55]

I would do some on line research and see if others have had this problem .

IMHO , the Ford dealer must have done a poor job and I'm wondering if you told them about the leak after such a short time ? If it were me I would be p issed

 

[larryinnewyork]

I'm just looking for a common solution that will fix this once and for all.
There has to be a best method.

The Dealers warranty is 12 months.
Thats probably how long it lasted.
Would I be wasting my time bringing this to the Dealers attention ? ? ?

 

[Klutch9]

Originally Posted By: larryinnewyork
I'm just looking for a common solution that will fix this once and for all.
There has to be a best method.

The Dealers warranty is 12 months.
Thats probably how long it lasted.
Would I be wasting my time bringing this to the Dealers attention ? ? ?


A phone call and a visit to the dealer is not a waste if time by any means. Your warranty for the repair IS expired, so I wouldn't expect much. But I know i would rest easy knowing that I tried. you never know, dealers can be surprisingly accommodating sometimes

 

[Rolla07]

A phone call is 5 minutes of your time. Explain that you only put 15k miles on it since. Its not normal. I agree they might be accomodating thinking ur due up to soon purchase a new one...

 

[JamesBond]

I've done this job on a '97 3.0 Ranger. I ended up replacing the timing cover gasket, water pump, timing chain set, crank seal/sleeve.

I re-used the timing chain cover. It took a lot of scraping to get it clean.

I used a black RTV type sealant around the 2 big coolant holes on both sides of the new timing cover gasket. I uses the same stuff on both sides of the water pump gasket.

I also used some type of Permatex thread sealant (as indicated in the Haynes manual) on the bolts that go through the cover into the block water jacket.

There are some hoses around and above the water pump that could leak and drip down to the timing cover so make sure that they are not leaking. It could also be a leaking head gasket which seem common on these engines especially if the timing cover leak caused an overheat.