Folks, ive gotten myself into what i hope to be a minor mess. I need to pick a few brains on this; even moreso since i just got back from 3.5 months in "sand hill."

Background: Tonight, while out and about, i took a 30 min jaunt to just drive, top speed of 55 in 5th, shift at 2200rpms, easy and smooth. No revvin the engine, none of that BS. Stopped to get fuel since the truck ws lat run a month ago by my mother (i had asked her to use it more since gas has dropped some, but im appreciative she drove it as much as she did) and the fuel was a bit old, pulled in and the engine billowed smoke. I knew the moment i smelled it that it was coolant, and a whole bunch of it. No indicators while driving, no noise, no smell, no odd gauge readings, etc.

So, i popped the hood, knew by the smell it was coolant, checked my coolant reservoir which showed normal levels. Smoke lessened and showed me that: looking from the front of the truck, headlights towards you, the issue is on the left side, rear quarter. (Imagine looking from a birds eye and dividing the engine compartment into 4 quarters).

I think i blew a line, seal or a clamp or whatnot came off. Any other possibilities come to mind? Something y'all would turn over to a shop or do yourself (assume along the lines of a small garage for someone who does a little bit of everything but is very basic)?

Thanks folks, any help/advice/experience and wisdom on my questions is much appreciated!

 

pass side behind the tire would be heater core related. first i would check the 2 lines going into the firewall, make sure the clamps there are tight, and if they are, problem is most likely a blown heater core. And if it is a heater core theyre not too bad to replace, i did the one in my 93 a couple years ago

 

If the heater core blew, the leak would be in the cab.

 

Check the lines that go to the core at the passenger side firewall. Those may be loose or cracked too

 

Its not the heater core, but it is on the passenger side maybe 5-10 inches in from the f250 symbol or the tire.

I talked to my folks, found out that is something that was supposed to be fixed by the shop before I bought 'er. So, shes back in that shop and they're gonna see if its the parts they replaced, if it is its under warranty. If they tell me its not they are in for a very bad day; considering they replaced everthing coolant touches (well, everything it runs through lines, water pump etc) except for the radiator itself. I dont have time to play games (I go back to ft. Benning georgia to finish my Army MOS training on Jan. 2nd) and I know its a part they replaced.

 

Read your sig. Thank you for your service to our great nation. Thank you for the sacrifice you and your family goes through while your deployed. I had a very good friend named Dustin who also was in the Army but has since passed away. Your service is greatly appreciated from this member.

 

It's an honor. And always will be.

I believe* that I can speak on behalf of many military personnel, we appreciate those who have our backs at home. Even after just 3 months of training, coming home and transitioning had been strange.

*Said tentatively, some or all may disagree.

 

OK, just heard from the shop. I blew a line going to the throttle body. Hopefully they can fix it quick and I can be driving my truck while on leave and get to enjoy it.

So, this poses a new question: IF everything was solid in their last repair, what would have caused this to happen? I never broke 2500rpms, lines should be no more than a few months old, etc.

 

They probably just didn't put it on right. Not clamped down or not on all the way. That would be my guess. Any other problems?

 

Well, I have my truck back. Shop ate the bill to make things right. Turns out, when the work was originally done they were told to go ahead and replace any other lines and seals that were going to need to be replaced soon, technician didnt replace those lines... So, it wouldn't have been covered under warranty, but they ate the bill to make things right as best they could.

 

Glad it was something simple.

 

You and me both.