5.4 coolant leak

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Jan 10, 2016 | 06:00 PM

Skagganetti

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5.4 coolant leak

Alright, after finally fixing my 4X4 issues, now I have a coolant leak.
It's on the passenger side, just above the exhaust downpipe. I can't find any leaks in the hoses, and as far as I can see it looks like it's coming out of the back of the head and running down the back of the block.
The odd thing is there's no oil in it, and no coolant in my oil (which obviously is a good thing), but I don't want it to get to that point of it is getting worse.
Heat works fine, and it isn't overheating, only losing maybe a gallon a month. At some point the ford gold stuff was flushed and it has the compatible green, that is the only thing I can tell is not stock.
Any help would be appreciated, I don't want to tear it down if I don't absolutely have to.

Jan 10, 2016 | 06:12 PM

Bigpipes 35

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From: Forest lake minnesota

That's where the 5.4s leak when the head gasket goes. Not sure if the change in coolant has anything to do with it or not.

Jan 10, 2016 | 06:38 PM

Skagganetti

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigpipes 35

That's where the 5.4s leak when the head gasket goes. Not sure if the change in coolant has anything to do with it or not.

****ty, I guess the next question then is how long can I drive it like that before I really start messing things up? I don't have 3 grand to replace them right now.

Jan 10, 2016 | 07:22 PM

Bigpipes 35

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From: Forest lake minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skagganetti

****ty, I guess the next question then is how long can I drive it like that before I really start messing things up? I don't have 3 grand to replace them right now.

You can probably drive it that way for a long time just keep a eye on the coolant level, I wouldn't surprise me if you could get another 100,000 out of her this way,,,,,

Jan 10, 2016 | 07:40 PM

Bently_Coop

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From: Kent Station, WA

What year do you have? My 99 V10 Currently has green in it and I will be switching in the summer time.

Jan 10, 2016 | 07:44 PM

Skagganetti

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bently_Coop

What year do you have? My 99 V10 Currently has green in it and I will be switching in the summer time.

It's the 2004 5.4. I've seen back and forths on the green vs. Gold, no one really agrees, but I've put about 12000 miles on this since I got it and had no other issues.

Jan 10, 2016 | 07:56 PM

dkf

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From: Pa

The 2004 MY 5.4l and 6.8l came with MC Gold coolant. The older (like 99-00) had issues with oil leaks at the same area, not as common on later year engines. Check over the heater bypass valve (if you have one) and all heater hoses in the area. You can put some dye in the coolant system that is seen easily with a UV light to help pinpoint the leak. I'd clean the area well with some engine cleaner to help make it easier to see the leak.