burning through antifreeze
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: spring grove pa
How fresh is the rebuild? If its a very recent rebuild, it could just be an air pocket in the cooling system working through. I've done engines that took over a gallon after the cooling system finally "burped"
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
Agreed. You might try running the engine with the radiator cap off- that might help remove air.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
As 86150302 stated, this is crucial.
If the truck runs like a top, it may be very simple. I have found on FTE, that the little rubber recovery line from the radiator will develop cracks and will allow for coolant to disappear. Also, when you replaced the thermostat, did you use a motorcraft thermostat? I have found that the cheap ones aren't worth it and always replace the radiator cap and thermostat with OEM Motorcraft.
If the truck runs like a top, it may be very simple. I have found on FTE, that the little rubber recovery line from the radiator will develop cracks and will allow for coolant to disappear. Also, when you replaced the thermostat, did you use a motorcraft thermostat? I have found that the cheap ones aren't worth it and always replace the radiator cap and thermostat with OEM Motorcraft.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
As 86150302 stated, this is crucial.
If the truck runs like a top, it may be very simple. I have found on FTE, that the little rubber recovery line from the radiator will develop cracks and will allow for coolant to disappear. Also, when you replaced the thermostat, did you use a motorcraft thermostat? I have found that the cheap ones aren't worth it and always replace the radiator cap and thermostat with OEM Motorcraft.
If the truck runs like a top, it may be very simple. I have found on FTE, that the little rubber recovery line from the radiator will develop cracks and will allow for coolant to disappear. Also, when you replaced the thermostat, did you use a motorcraft thermostat? I have found that the cheap ones aren't worth it and always replace the radiator cap and thermostat with OEM Motorcraft.
I know just about everybody on these boards recommends Motorcraft- and I'm not saying they're not good parts- but I've just never been one to get caught up on names.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19
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Has new motorcraft thermostat and no leaks just have to put antifreeze in more often than seems neccesszary
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I had that problem once and found it to be the water pump was leaking so slowly that the water and coolant were vaporizing from the engine heat. No drops hit the ground but it was enough loss to add coolant weekly. It drove me nuts for months because I could smell it when I walked by the front of the truck after driving it....
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
I think this is just a matter of personal experience. I got 2 years out of the last cheapy thermostat I bought, plus its a "fail safe" stat so when it does fail, it fails stuck open to prevent overheating. For the few dollars I paid for it, I'd say I got my money's worth out of it.
I know just about everybody on these boards recommends Motorcraft- and I'm not saying they're not good parts- but I've just never been one to get caught up on names.
I know just about everybody on these boards recommends Motorcraft- and I'm not saying they're not good parts- but I've just never been one to get caught up on names.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Wasilla Alaska
mine had a hole in the radiator and i could smell it but there was no puddle or visible leak. didnt overheat but went through antifreeze. it would evaporate from the heat of the radiator.
pressure test.
pressure test.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
put a new water pump on with the rebuild, it was doing the same thing with the old motor, I did a pressure test and replaced the cap twice, don't smell it inside only outside after driving, guess I'll replace radiator next