jeephack Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 I have a 4.0 that when reaching operating temperature, starts blowing steam/coolant out the back side of the head. Can't see exactly where it is leaking from. The engine runs smooth and the oil is clear. I.E no coolant. Is this more likely to be a bad head gasket, bad freeze/expansion plug, or cracked head? I'm in the process of pulling the head but I busted my last proper size socket and haven't purchased another one yet. Just wondering what the consensus is from the learned minds of this forum?
jimoshel Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 Buy better quality tools. With out seeing it, I would guess head gasket.
cruiser54 Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 Use a mirror and flashlight to inspect the freeze plug in the back of the head.
Eagle Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 Use a mirror and flashlight to inspect the freeze plug in the back of the head. Agreed. Most likely a freeze plug. If it's not that, then maybe head gasket, but those usually leak between cylinders and dump coolant into the combustion chambers, resulting in steam out the tailpipe. But ... not always.
jeephack Posted December 30, 2013 Author Posted December 30, 2013 At first I thought head gasket,but after further consideration, I'm leaning towards freeze plug. Either way, the head comes off. And Jim, I was 16 years old when I bought the socket. I thought I was buying a quality tool. (Western Auto) That was 45 years ago. I guess nothing lasts forever. :)
dave92cherokee Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 What about the temp sender on the back corner of the head? Could it have gotten damaged during some kind of recent work causing it to get broken and be the cause of the problem?
jeephack Posted December 30, 2013 Author Posted December 30, 2013 That's all solid. The leak is almost directly behind the head where it can't easily be accessed. Got a new socket, so I'll know before long!
87Warrior Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 Make sure you pick up the deepest deep well socket you can find for those head bolts. It took me a couple of tries to find one that slid all the way to the flange surface.
92tanMJ Posted December 30, 2013 Posted December 30, 2013 Make sure you pick up the deepest deep well socket you can find for those head bolts. It took me a couple of tries to find one that slid all the way to the flange surface. ^ the harbor feight impact sockets work..thats what I used...not saying theyre top of the line but theyll get the job done..for cheap too
jeephack Posted December 30, 2013 Author Posted December 30, 2013 I went with Kobalt. At least if I bust it, I can get a replacement.
mvusse Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 The cheap Harbor Freight ones have a lifetime warranty as well.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now