Well got a new issue now. Noticed last night that I have a leak of some sort from the front of the engine. I have the 08 5.4 4x4 with 70k miles for the background info. The leak is coming from the front of the oil pan area unless it's running down the engine from somewhere I can't see yet. The fluid appears to be more like power steering. My oil is at the end of it's cycle so it is a little dark but the fluid leak is clear to a slight yellow and pretty thin in consistency. I've rubbed it between my fingers and the texture does not feel like oil. First I wanted to see if you guys have had a similar leak before I really start tearing into things and do you think it's possible to have power steering fluid leak that far forward on the engine? I've checked the fluid levels and they appear fine but this leak did just start and came on pretty quickly. I plan to take a photo tonight and re-post that. Have you guys had your oil pan seal to start leaking because I know that's pretty rare on most vehicles but nothing seems rare on this vehicle.

 

Ford 'Gold' coolant. Hose, thermostat housing or water pump would be where I would look first. Since your cooling system is no longer sealed, you can't just look at the surge tank level to make sure you have coolant - you have to check the radiator. Check when stone cold.

 

Thanks. I'll probably check it before going to bed for the night.

 

Quick question. Since we no longer have radiator caps what's the easiest way to check the fluid level in the radiator? I squeezed the upper hose and you could clearly hear the fluid gushing around. The expansion tank was a little low. Gone are the good ol' days when you could take the cap off and look into the tank.

 

Wow. I forgot about the 'no-cap' deal on the new trucks. I think what you did was about all you can do short of pulling the upper hose at the radiator, and I wouldn't do that. Did you ever nail down what fluid is leaking or find the leak?

 

Pretty sure it's the water pump. Noticed a the fluid is around the bottom pulley at the front of the engine. So I figure the fluid if leaking from the pump going behind the pulley and onto the oil pan. I plan to buy a new pump and seal (plus serpentine belt) and change it out this weekend. If that solves the problem I'll let you know.

 

Please post pics of the inside of the pump and gasket areas , 70,000 is very low mileage for a fail,.