Coolant leak question
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 184
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From: League City Texas
Coolant leak question
Hello,
Well, I have not been on this forum in a while. My truck has been running smooth for about a month. A little while I noticed a small pool of engine coolant under the truck on the right side underneath the starter. Its dripping of the right frame area. Not sure were it could be coming from. I used a flashlight but could not verify. Its about 37 degrees outside tonight and the truck has been parked for a day. Any ideas? I checked my radiator and hoses up front and no signs of leaks. The pool is further back so this worries me a bit. Any advise is appreciated!
Well, I have not been on this forum in a while. My truck has been running smooth for about a month. A little while I noticed a small pool of engine coolant under the truck on the right side underneath the starter. Its dripping of the right frame area. Not sure were it could be coming from. I used a flashlight but could not verify. Its about 37 degrees outside tonight and the truck has been parked for a day. Any ideas? I checked my radiator and hoses up front and no signs of leaks. The pool is further back so this worries me a bit. Any advise is appreciated!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
My first guess would be a core (freeze) plugs. These can be a royal pain to replace because of access. They just drive in with a hammer and socket but there's usually very limited room to work.
A second guess would be intake manifold gasket leaking at the back of the block and running down the back of the engine.
A second guess would be intake manifold gasket leaking at the back of the block and running down the back of the engine.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Either of these problems should be addressed because left alone, things only get worse.
The freeze plugs are located on the sides of the block. That's why they are difficult to change. Access to them is very restricted. If the engine is out changing them is a snap.
Also, if you do change the freeze plugs, replace them with BRASS plugs.
The picture is a 360 but a 351 is similar. This engine has the brass plugs in it.
The freeze plugs are located on the sides of the block. That's why they are difficult to change. Access to them is very restricted. If the engine is out changing them is a snap.
Also, if you do change the freeze plugs, replace them with BRASS plugs.
The picture is a 360 but a 351 is similar. This engine has the brass plugs in it.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 184
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From: League City Texas
Thanks for the info mike! I figure if its the manifold it would be much easier than the plugs. I dont want to pull my engine out. I may take it to a mechanic if its the freeze plugs. The weird thing is that it appeared to have leaked when the outside temps dropped. I will check it out tomorrow morning. Could it be anything else?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: HOUSTON, TX
Cold weather makes metals shrink some (especially thin metal), it has the opposite effect of heat, which can make metals expand. it sounds like a good bet it's the freeze plugs, but could very well be manifold also. (do you have a reservoir tank? could have gotten such a hairline crack in it too)
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,054
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From: HOUSTON, TX
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: League City Texas
Plumber, it does have a resevoir tank but it on the opposite side of the leak. The leak is on the passenger side. Also, if its freeze plugs could it stop leaking when it warms back up? (outside) I would hate to mess with those plugs.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
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From: HOUSTON, TX
jesse automotive on HWY 3 in Dickinson, If you're going down 3 from league city, when you get to Dickinson it's on the left in a little business park just before Deats (theres a stop light @ Deats)
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
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From: HOUSTON, TX
he's extremely reasonable, the first time I met him he did a job that took 30-40 minuets to do and told me not to worry about paying him, just come back if I ever need anything, that was 6 years ago.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: League City Texas
Well guys it appears that the leak was coming from a heater core hose. I traced the leak and I could see antifreeze running down the side of the heater core case under the hood. I am crossing my fingers. I hope my heater core is not leaking. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks
