antifreeze is leaking

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Dec 7, 2014 | 05:19 PM

relly

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antifreeze is leaking

I have some antifreeze leaking from the exterior of my van. 1996 E250 V8, i checked the hoses and didnt see anything cracked or frayed. Also it doesn't always leak. It leaks after when the car is on after a few mins and then stops and then leaks again. It doesn't leak when i drive.. any one can help me figure out whats wrong. I also checked my heater core and it wasnt leaking in the inside. Also i can smell antifreeze while driving. Heater works and ac works. Heat just works on the high setting and not the lower settings.

Dec 7, 2014 | 09:47 PM

richter roxs

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Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 182

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From: boston

I had a similar problem on my 1996 , It was the thermostst gasket . It would leak when cold then once the stat would open it would stop leaking.

you should also check your heater core hose that attaches to the manifold and the throttle body coolant hose.

good luck

Dec 8, 2014 | 06:12 AM

JWA

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by relly

Heat just works on the high setting and not the lower settings.

If you mean the blower motor works only on the high setting that's an issue altogether different from leaking coolant.

Dec 8, 2014 | 07:21 AM

relly

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

If you mean the blower motor works only on the high setting that's an issue altogether different from leaking coolant.

I am assuming that the high setting on the heater only works because the resistor is blown.

Dec 8, 2014 | 07:27 AM

relly

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Quote:

Originally Posted by richter roxs

Okay so i just ran the van again since its very cold out and it began to leak then it also leaked while being hot . The temperature is adjusting while i was driving from hot to cold then when i pressed the gas it went hot again but not past normal temperature. I just purchased a new themostat and gasket, water pump and gasket as well. I mind as well change it all since i cant seem to figure out whats going on.

Dec 8, 2014 | 07:47 AM

jimandnena

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Joined: Mar 2014

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Quote:

Originally Posted by relly

Hi Relly,
I had this on a Mustang, cracked heater core. The drain for the heater core/AC evaporator was above the exhaust pipe. The crack would open and close with the heat in the heater core. The smell of antifreeze in the cabinet was the clue.
jim

Dec 8, 2014 | 07:51 AM

JWA

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Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 21,253

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by relly

I am assuming that the high setting on the heater only works because the resistor is blown.

That would be the first place to begin looking.

There has to be some telltale sign from where your leak begins, especially if it falls on the ground when idling or parked.

If the smell becomes more pronounced when the blower is running that's a strong suggestion the heater core is leaking. What tests suggest its not?

Before I'd start just changing parts I'd find which one is at fault---its a shame doing all that work, spending all that money only to have missed the real problem.