1997 Ford Explorer Water Leak in the Engine when Cold

1997 FORD EXPLORER
270,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MAP1995
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Dear Friends,

Kindly put some light on the issue in my 1997 Ford Explorer. It was not dropping water unless I went to a cold place. below 70 degree

I parked the car in the night and in the morning when I came to the car I saw radiator water leak under the engine.

I poured water in the radiator.

One drop after 1-3 second was dropping.

I started the engine and run it for 15-20 minutes. after Engine warmed up and temp gauge reaches normal rage, The water drop stopped.

Again next night when I parked the car and engine got cold below 70degree, water again started dropping. As soon as I warmed up the engine the leak stopped.

Experts Kindly guide me what can be the issue.

Thanks.
Sep 9, 2009 at 11:36 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Can you tell me the general area of the engine compartment that you see the leak coming from?
Sep 10, 2009 at 8:21 AM
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MAP1995
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Hi,

It is not under the radiator. It is under the fan belts some where.
Sep 10, 2009 at 9:38 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Then my guess is the waterpump is leaking. There is a small weep hole under there that is designed to indicate when the bearing or seal goes bad in the pump. When you park, the coolant stops circulating and for a short time the coolant temp raises because it is laying in the engine. That builds more pressure and the next day, you see a leak that is actually from the night before.

If you can, look under the water pump for the hole I mentioned. Once you find it, look for evidence of it leaking. I'm 99% confident that is the problem.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Sep 10, 2009 at 10:32 AM
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MAP1995
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Hi,

I have got it checked, and it is the water pump leaking. Is there any way to stop leak by using any stop-leak.
Local workshop is demanding $200 for replacement.

What do you suggest.

Any place good and cheaper.

Thanx.
Sep 10, 2009 at 5:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Honsty, stop leak is designed to stop in a radiator; however, it usually cloggs the heater core. I don't recommend it. It won't stop a waterpump from leaking. Do you think you could do it yourself? The pump is around 50.00 dollars. I can get you directions if you feel that you can do it. It takes work, but if you take your time, have some tools around, and have a little mechanical ability, you should be ok.

Let me know. I'll be here if you have questions if you try it. If I was near you, I would help, but most likely you are on the other side of the country.

Let me know what you decide to do. And honestly, if the 200 is for both parts and labor, that isn't a bad price. They are not taking advantage, but believe me when I say, I know what it's like not to have it.

Joe
Sep 10, 2009 at 9:09 PM
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MAP1995
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Hi Joe,

I am also thinking of doing it my self.

$200 he is charging for full job with parts.
I will look into it and decide.

I think I have some time until it will turn into really bad leak.
Sep 10, 2009 at 9:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Usually they will start making noise too. Just make sure that you keep the coolant full. You don't need other problems. Let me know what you decide and if you need directions.

Joe
Sep 10, 2009 at 10:03 PM