90 Bronco II – Intake Manifold Gasket Question.

Hey everyone, Just a quick question about my latest project.

It’s a 1990 Bronco II with the 2.9 v6 in it (JUNK! going for a 4.0 swap sooner than later). I have been losing coolant, about a 1/2 gallon every 2 weeks.

Anyway I have checked every possible avenue as to why I am losing coolant IE hoses, no leakage around freeze plug, absolutely no puddles in the drive way, expansion tank has no cracks, Radiator is fine (it’s actually new) Did a compression test every thing is fine head wise, Did a pressure test on the cooling system, no visible leaks up top, No mixing of fluids, heater core is sound, no wet spots on the floor board or under the dash, etc etc and so forth.

So what the main question is: if I have a blown lower intake gasket will this cause coolant loss over time?

I am noticing some leakage spray back on the tranny bellhousing (it’s not coming from the bellhousing itself), thought it was oil, but gave a quick dab to my tongue and its actually both coolant and oil (I know it’s bad lol I dont need a lecture). I do get a hint of coolant in the cab from time to time, and I assume its leaking out of the back side of the lower intake gasket and burning off on the block and causing the smell. The engine is filthy so that makes leaks even harder to pin down.

I need gaskets everywhere on this thing, I cant really complain I was given the truck basically, only paid a dollar for the bill of sale. I’ll probably end up replacing the gasket set anyways, but it’d be nice to know if this is possible.

So would a blown lower intake gasket cause this?

I’ve heard it can but I trust everyone over here at ETCG more than random google searches.

Thanks for your help in advance.

CMT