Vehicle is a 07 Ford Ranger with the 2.3L DOHC at around 100k km. Similar engine to Ford Fusion, Escapes, etc.
Long story short a couple of weeks ago I was tracking a sudden misfire that occurs when the vehicle is in storage. It turns out to be a spark plug boot pops off the plug by itself on cylinder # 3. When I remove the boot I notice there are some water droplets in the spark plug well. Spark plug boot was also covered in rust-like goo, but came off pretty easy with some electrical connector cleaner. I have attached some pictures below.
I did hose down the engine bay last summer so some water might have slipped inside due to a bad boot seal. But I've been driving this truck hard since then and never had a problem with it. I'm starting to think I might have a internal coolant leak that happens while the vehicle is in storage.
Now my question is, is this just water or do I have a possible coolant leak? It's really hard to tell because the coolant is also yellow in color. And how can I clean the "rust" off the spark plug well? Can I reuse the boot just by cleaning it off?
Thanks in advance! Just want a good night's sleep...
Long story short a couple of weeks ago I was tracking a sudden misfire that occurs when the vehicle is in storage. It turns out to be a spark plug boot pops off the plug by itself on cylinder # 3. When I remove the boot I notice there are some water droplets in the spark plug well. Spark plug boot was also covered in rust-like goo, but came off pretty easy with some electrical connector cleaner. I have attached some pictures below.
I did hose down the engine bay last summer so some water might have slipped inside due to a bad boot seal. But I've been driving this truck hard since then and never had a problem with it. I'm starting to think I might have a internal coolant leak that happens while the vehicle is in storage.
Now my question is, is this just water or do I have a possible coolant leak? It's really hard to tell because the coolant is also yellow in color. And how can I clean the "rust" off the spark plug well? Can I reuse the boot just by cleaning it off?
Thanks in advance! Just want a good night's sleep...
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