infstbob

Hello, I have a 93 xlt with 3.0 liter v-6. It has 249K on it with original engine, trans, differential and it doesn't leak a drop. I love this car and maintain it very well. However it has for the past 80k or so lost some of it's coolant 12oz per 1000miles). hoses and radiator replaced, one small leak found on right hand side freeze plug, replaced. It never runs hot, normally on the cool side of gauge. There isn't any oil in radiator, no water in oil and no smoke or vapor coming out of the exhaust. I read somewhere that the intake manifold gaskets can leak small amounts of fluid into intake track. Any ideas or help? Also if I decide to remove intake manifold and replace the gaskets should I go as far as removing heads. If so should I have them rebuilt and replace timing chain? Or should I just replace intake gaskets and if it doens't solve the missing fluid problem just save up for a new rebuilt engine. This is my first Ford and I am a convert..comfortable, stable, practical....great. Thanks again, Bob

cdnfordnut

The 3 litre is know to leak coolant between the block and timing chain cover. To solve the problem remove the rad, water pump and everything else in the way, remove the timing chain cover,(there are a couple of oil pan bolts to remove as well, be very careful of pan gasket, don't break it) put some tape to cover oil pan opening to keep dirt out, clean the front of the block, clean both sides of the timing cover and the water pump. Reassemble with new gaskets, use RTV liberally on all gasket surfaces. It is time consuming but work carefully. I never had a leak after doing this. Have fun.