460 LOsing coolant
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460 LOsing coolant
Hello Ford Forum,
I'm stumped. I keep losing coolant about a quart every 400 miles. There are no drips under the truck, the system holds pressure, there is no coolant in the oil (thank goodness).
Where is it going? Any ideas would be appreciated.
1985 F-250 Supercab, 460cid 4x4, my big red baby.
Thanks in advance.
I'm stumped. I keep losing coolant about a quart every 400 miles. There are no drips under the truck, the system holds pressure, there is no coolant in the oil (thank goodness).
Where is it going? Any ideas would be appreciated.
1985 F-250 Supercab, 460cid 4x4, my big red baby.
Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 439
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From: Burnsville, MN
460 LOsing coolant
I have no answers, but some questions.
Do you have the ability to hold pressure for an extended period
of time?
Have you pressure tested when the engine has been hot & cold?
How comfortable are you that you don't have a cylinder head/intake leak?
I assume that you have validated that the heater core and control valve (if equipped) are not involved.
How old is your water pump?
Is your coolant recovery hose in good shape?
When did you last change your radiator cap?
Are you using a proper mix of AF/water?
Sorry I don't have an answer, hopefully we can find one together.
Do you have the ability to hold pressure for an extended period
of time?
Have you pressure tested when the engine has been hot & cold?
How comfortable are you that you don't have a cylinder head/intake leak?
I assume that you have validated that the heater core and control valve (if equipped) are not involved.
How old is your water pump?
Is your coolant recovery hose in good shape?
When did you last change your radiator cap?
Are you using a proper mix of AF/water?
Sorry I don't have an answer, hopefully we can find one together.
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460 LOsing coolant
Thanks GR
iesel,
I have gone through most of those things you mentioned such as a new radiator cap, new water pump, no heater control valve, all good hoses without leaks.
I have not tested the pressure for more than a quick pump-up when cold and it does hold well when hot. I have never lost coolant while the weather was cool. It has been a bit warmer here with the temps in the 80-90 range.
It could be the coolant mixture since I have not ballanced it out for a couple of seasons. It really needs a good flushing and refill.
I really hope that there is not a leak in the cylinder head/intake. How would you tell if there was one?
If so, I will be looking at a rebuild/build-up provided there are no cracks. I just turned over 144,000 miles and she still runs just fine.
The drive train is all rebuilt from the hubs up to the engine. She is next. I would like to do a mild build-up to get a bit more acceleration when passing in the mountains.
Thanks again,
iesel,I have gone through most of those things you mentioned such as a new radiator cap, new water pump, no heater control valve, all good hoses without leaks.
I have not tested the pressure for more than a quick pump-up when cold and it does hold well when hot. I have never lost coolant while the weather was cool. It has been a bit warmer here with the temps in the 80-90 range.
It could be the coolant mixture since I have not ballanced it out for a couple of seasons. It really needs a good flushing and refill.
I really hope that there is not a leak in the cylinder head/intake. How would you tell if there was one?
If so, I will be looking at a rebuild/build-up provided there are no cracks. I just turned over 144,000 miles and she still runs just fine.
The drive train is all rebuilt from the hubs up to the engine. She is next. I would like to do a mild build-up to get a bit more acceleration when passing in the mountains.
Thanks again,
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
460 LOsing coolant
The head gasket may be leaking water into one of the cylinders. If you have a full length exhaust, it may be getting burned up before exiting the tail pipe. If you have a shorty exhaust or dual exhaust, you may be able to see the moisture dripping or at least forming inside the exhaust. Changing the head gaskets is no big deal on a 460, especially an 85'. Not much in the way of emmisions and computer crap. Big Blocks cost tons of money to produce horsepower, but most people run them for their massive torque potential. Adding a pair of headers, dual exhaust and a decent 4bbl or predator carb and you can easily produce 385-400 lbs of torque!! Just wear a neck brace!!!! Good luck....
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 439
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From: Burnsville, MN
460 LOsing coolant
That is why I mentioned the coolant recovery tank's hose....
I've seen it before and would really like this to be the culprit.
One other thing to try.
Put some cardboard under the truck and start it - let it run for 30 minutes minimum and then see what has been deposited on the cardboard. A leak of this magnitude cannot go undetected - IMHO
I've seen it before and would really like this to be the culprit.
One other thing to try.
Put some cardboard under the truck and start it - let it run for 30 minutes minimum and then see what has been deposited on the cardboard. A leak of this magnitude cannot go undetected - IMHO
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460 LOsing coolant
Thanks Guys,
I have done both checks with a drop cloth looking for leaks and I have checked the overflow tank. It usually has about 1-2 inches of coolant in it. I guess should check it when it is full to see if the hole is up higher and if I am loosing coolant when the tank is full during hot runing.
All the best,
I have done both checks with a drop cloth looking for leaks and I have checked the overflow tank. It usually has about 1-2 inches of coolant in it. I guess should check it when it is full to see if the hole is up higher and if I am loosing coolant when the tank is full during hot runing.
All the best,
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Coutts Canada
460 LOsing coolant
Check all the hoses and such cause there could be a pin hole leak in one of the hoses, or even there might be a small pin hole leak in the radiator (it might be clogged but when the engine warms up it could put enough pressure to force this hole open) I had this problem and it turned out to be a hole that opened up when the pressure was high enough and it leaked pretty good to.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Rose City, MI
460 LOsing coolant
i also had no visable leaks but i was loseing about 2 to 4 inches of coolant every anout 400 miles also. turned out to be the end of the lower radator hose. put a new one on and it does not leak anymore. I would check all them hoses out squeeze them and if you find hard or soft spots change them out. It might solve your problems. Good Luck
Ben
Ben
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