Fluid Splashing up/onto Hood

[larryinnewyork]

So, for over 2 years, I have seen drops on my hood near the Grill.
Covering the full width of hood & traveling up about 2 feet.

I checked all the fluids and determined it was Coolant.
I could not see any leaks, so I added the 'dye'.
I checked around all the hoses, thermostat, & water pump using a ultra-violet light.
Still I could not find the leak.
I went to a Mechanic & he could not find it.

As time went on, the drops became more noticeable.
Finally, I saw some coolant on the A/C coils.
This was right in front of the side tank seam.
Because the A/C coils were blocking the view, I could not see the leak.

Saturday, I went to NAPA & bought a new radiator (Made in Canada) $152.10
Sunday, I put new radiator in.
Today, after checking with ultra-violet light, determined - no more leaks.
I am happy.

Those dyes work nice.
Water Base for Coolant / Oil Base for Oil & Power Steering Fluid.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Great investigative diagnosis.

Good work. Figuring out what's broke is always the first step...

 

[01rangerxl]

If this is on your Ranger, I have that same Napa/Spectra Premium radiator. I have been running it since March of '13 with no complaints. My original let go due to lingering crash damage. A tank cracked on the side of the truck that got crunched, right where the radiator bolts to the carrier. I popped the hood to check the oil, and there was coolant spray everywhere, the crack was on the back/side of the tank, so in my case I saw it bubbling out. I was really happy with how nicely the Spectra dropped in...no Mickey Mouse adapters or anything, it was a true direct fit.