The coolant should be at the minimum line in the degas bottle when you check it cold.
Coolant Leak....wow another thread
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 4
Coolant Leak....wow another thread
Fellas
First I would like to say this site is great and THANK you to everyone! The information found here is abundant and I really appreciate it. <o
></o>
<o></o>
I've been noticing that I am loosing small amounts of coolant here lately. My heater control valve was leaking and I just recently replaced it along with the heater hose and the 3/8" hose that connects to my new pex Tee fitting that routes to my coolant filter. Well, apparently there is still a leak. I pulled a trailer yesterday about 200 miles and ran her pretty good. I stopped and filled up at the gas station, while pumping I decided to check my coolant level. It was on the MIN line after running for a good hour or so (a little low). Also, I noticed what looks like coolant had been sprayed on and around the top of the alternator (look at these pics https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/members/jayybird-albums-coolant+leak+1.html) and these to Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Jayybird's Album: Coolant Leak in those pics you will see my old heater control valve, I have replaced that so you can disregard that.
<o></o>
First question, does that coolant look like dried up coolant to yall? I assume so.<o></o>
Where could it be coming from on top of the engine?? I checked all hoses and everything appears to be good. Temps are good...well yesterday while pulling the load I didn't have my Edge insight (screen went blank again, different issue there)..but I have been monitoring everything and temps are good..maybe a tad low (suspect a t-stat issue). Anyway, I looked everything over and can't tell that any hoses are leaking. <o></o>
I have no signs of coolant puking around the degas cap (thank god) and my EGR has been blocked off...so for now I am going to rule those out. Truck runs great.<o></o>
Apparently I have a leak somewhere and it showed itself once under load. I have kept a look under the truck, and while she sits, nothing is dripping. <o></o>
<o></o>
Any suggestions would be helpful as to where this leak is at.<o></o>
<o></o>
Thanks for any input.<o></o>
First I would like to say this site is great and THANK you to everyone! The information found here is abundant and I really appreciate it. <o
></o><o
></o>I've been noticing that I am loosing small amounts of coolant here lately. My heater control valve was leaking and I just recently replaced it along with the heater hose and the 3/8" hose that connects to my new pex Tee fitting that routes to my coolant filter. Well, apparently there is still a leak. I pulled a trailer yesterday about 200 miles and ran her pretty good. I stopped and filled up at the gas station, while pumping I decided to check my coolant level. It was on the MIN line after running for a good hour or so (a little low). Also, I noticed what looks like coolant had been sprayed on and around the top of the alternator (look at these pics https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/members/jayybird-albums-coolant+leak+1.html) and these to Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Jayybird's Album: Coolant Leak in those pics you will see my old heater control valve, I have replaced that so you can disregard that.
<o
></o>First question, does that coolant look like dried up coolant to yall? I assume so.<o
></o>Where could it be coming from on top of the engine?? I checked all hoses and everything appears to be good. Temps are good...well yesterday while pulling the load I didn't have my Edge insight (screen went blank again, different issue there)..but I have been monitoring everything and temps are good..maybe a tad low (suspect a t-stat issue). Anyway, I looked everything over and can't tell that any hoses are leaking. <o
></o>I have no signs of coolant puking around the degas cap (thank god) and my EGR has been blocked off...so for now I am going to rule those out. Truck runs great.<o
></o>Apparently I have a leak somewhere and it showed itself once under load. I have kept a look under the truck, and while she sits, nothing is dripping. <o
></o><o
></o>Any suggestions would be helpful as to where this leak is at.<o
></o><o
></o>Thanks for any input.<o
></o>
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Are you sure that that white speckling is new? I have a little bit of that around the base of my alternator, and I've seen it before on other aluminum (I think it's aluminum) parts like that on other vehicles. I assumed it was some sort of corrosion. Although aluminum technically shouldn't corrode.
It's hard to tell from the pictures.
It's hard to tell from the pictures.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 4
You may be correct...it does only appear to be on the aluminum. However, I keep a good eye on things and I've never noticed on there before....ahh...
my concern is, when i changed that heater control valve I filled the degas back up to the MIN line on a warm day (65-70 degrees). The truck was cold as it had been sitting for a few days. Now, its below the MIN line after sitting a while but it is in the 30's outside. I wouldn't expect the change in ambient temps would make the coolant level fluctuate that much..but maybe so...
I am driving my self crazy with this..
Thanks
my concern is, when i changed that heater control valve I filled the degas back up to the MIN line on a warm day (65-70 degrees). The truck was cold as it had been sitting for a few days. Now, its below the MIN line after sitting a while but it is in the 30's outside. I wouldn't expect the change in ambient temps would make the coolant level fluctuate that much..but maybe so...
I am driving my self crazy with this..
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
I would monitor your coolant for quite awhile. Only add if you're sure you need to.
My coolant levels have been inconsistent for some time, since I did a coolant flush last fall. I'm concluding that the coolant level in the degas bottle can change a lot. Even a slight difference in incline of the vehicle can cause a lot of difference in the bottle.
I suspect temperature can make a pretty big difference too. Remember the cooling system holds more than 7 gallons, and all expansion and contraction shows up in that small little bottle.
I think you need to monitor it over a few weeks or more, maybe even a month or two, to see if you are really losing coolant.
My coolant levels have been inconsistent for some time, since I did a coolant flush last fall. I'm concluding that the coolant level in the degas bottle can change a lot. Even a slight difference in incline of the vehicle can cause a lot of difference in the bottle.
I suspect temperature can make a pretty big difference too. Remember the cooling system holds more than 7 gallons, and all expansion and contraction shows up in that small little bottle.
I think you need to monitor it over a few weeks or more, maybe even a month or two, to see if you are really losing coolant.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 4
I would monitor your coolant for quite awhile. Only add if you're sure you need to.
My coolant levels have been inconsistent for some time, since I did a coolant flush last fall. I'm concluding that the coolant level in the degas bottle can change a lot. Even a slight difference in incline of the vehicle can cause a lot of difference in the bottle.
I suspect temperature can make a pretty big difference too. Remember the cooling system holds more than 7 gallons, and all expansion and contraction shows up in that small little bottle.
I think you need to monitor it over a few weeks or more, maybe even a month or two, to see if you are really losing coolant.
My coolant levels have been inconsistent for some time, since I did a coolant flush last fall. I'm concluding that the coolant level in the degas bottle can change a lot. Even a slight difference in incline of the vehicle can cause a lot of difference in the bottle.
I suspect temperature can make a pretty big difference too. Remember the cooling system holds more than 7 gallons, and all expansion and contraction shows up in that small little bottle.
I think you need to monitor it over a few weeks or more, maybe even a month or two, to see if you are really losing coolant.
Thanks everyone, my truck and I are hypochondriacs...LOL.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,113
Likes: 3,939
From: Ohio
If you do suspect a coolant leak, the EGR cooler has a small hose that you can check. It is nestled down below the intake area on top of the engine.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 4
Thanks, I will check that one as well.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
closetheborder
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Aug 16, 2012 11:40 AM
Leichardti
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
22
Jan 9, 2012 03:27 AM
karatedavid
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Nov 2, 2010 11:35 AM
