Coolant leak. Drivers side front
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Coolant leak. Drivers side front
I am having a heck of a time finding this coolant leak. It drips off the power steering pump. I replaced the upper radiator hose and the heater "y" hose that goes to the bottom of the Degas bottle. I recently replaced the lower radiator hose as well. So the truck runs normal. When the system is under pressure I do not see any leaks. But after the engine is completely cold it starts leaking a small puddle of coolant. Its appears to be coming from the power steering pump. But I am sure its something above or near it. This is on my 2005 Excursion with a 6.0. Can the water pump be going bad and leaking this direction. I would expect a water pump to leak straight down the middle of the engine. Any ideas on what to look for? The thermostat seal stays dry. but it has to be in that area. What is really messing with me is. When it is hot and pressured up It does not seem to leak. Only after it has been sitting for hours and cools off..........What the heck!
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From: Nortern FL
I can't help with the location or direction of your leak. But, I have seen plenty of failing water pumps that would seep from the weep hole when cold. This is from past experience on varied vehicles, not specifically the 6.0. I am new to the PS engines. I'm sure someone with more specific experience will show up.
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Thanks for the reply. I am thinking about replacing the water pump before I end up giving up and taking it in to have it worked on. I don't want to give someone else my hard earned $$ but if the water pump isn't it. Then I may have to give in.
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You might have to pull the covers off and really look at your radiator... if you have the old radiator with the plastic ends then you might be seeing leaking coolant from those seams... the plastic gets weak and then starts leaking. A possible reason that you aren't seeing actual leakage when you are hot is that the amount of coolant coming out of those seams isn't enough to make a 'wet' puddle when the coolant is hot... so it just evaps away... but when it cools down (but has enough pressure to leak) you are seeing it.
Just my 2 cents...
One way to see if this is the problem is let the truck cool down completely and see if your degas bottle is still holding pressure... if it isn't and you aren't finding any other source of leakage then it is probably the radiator.
Just my 2 cents...
One way to see if this is the problem is let the truck cool down completely and see if your degas bottle is still holding pressure... if it isn't and you aren't finding any other source of leakage then it is probably the radiator.
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Thanks for the replies. I am thinking if it was the radiator it would have some signs of coolant on it. When I look at the truck from underneath. It looks like its leaking out of the power steering pump bolts. That is where the coolant is dripping from. All the hoses are dry around and above it. The thermostat housing is dry. I just checked the coolant temp sensor since its right above where the leak is. Well it is dry too. I am hoping I do not have a cracked block.
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Well I am obviously not saying the radiator is definitely the problem... but I chased a coolant leak for a long time myself... the 2 things that I ended up doing to fix it were:
replacing the degas bottle <-- hairline crack on the bottom seam
and
replaced the radiator (upgraded to all aluminum) <-- didn't do this specifically to fix the leak but after I did it 'magically' went away... and when I realized this I went back and relooked at my old radiator... put pressure on it and behold I saw leakage out of the seams... I was seeing untraceable leakage like you are describing.
Just my experience...
replacing the degas bottle <-- hairline crack on the bottom seam
and
replaced the radiator (upgraded to all aluminum) <-- didn't do this specifically to fix the leak but after I did it 'magically' went away... and when I realized this I went back and relooked at my old radiator... put pressure on it and behold I saw leakage out of the seams... I was seeing untraceable leakage like you are describing.
Just my experience...
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Senior User
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Great Info Joseph... I actually did have a crack in the Degas bottle and replaced it last Thursday thinking that was the issue...but no go for me. I appreciate all the feedback. Gives me plenty of areas to look for
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From: Nortern FL
Definitely not time to throw parts at it. As stated, a slow leak can evaporate fast enough not to drip when wet. You may have to do some minor disassembly to find the leak. But, it's a pretty good bet you will see residue from the evaporated coolant when you get there.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Chico, ca
Front cover really isnt that hard to replace a gasket on. Its just time consuming. Only bugger is if it has a wear ring on the Crank seal. No problem if you have the tool. Good luck and let us know what you fine.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Greenville, SC
Early on after I did a coolant flush, I had to replace the squeeze-type factory clamp on the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing with a stronger hose clamp. It just wouldn't seal properly.
Did you replace the hoses due to the coolant leak, or did the leak occur after you did the preventive maintenance with the new hoses?
If you had the leak beforehand, I would start looking at the water pump.
Also look for dried residue at the new hose connections.
Did you replace the hoses due to the coolant leak, or did the leak occur after you did the preventive maintenance with the new hoses?
If you had the leak beforehand, I would start looking at the water pump.
Also look for dried residue at the new hose connections.
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I replaced the Lower Radiator hose about 6 to 8 months ago because it was leaking. "I have not checked the band clamp but I think I will do that tonight" The hose itself has been dry when I see the leak so. Not suspect
Last week I replaced the upper radiator hose which was leaking on top of the thermostat housing.
Then I noticed my degas bottle was cracked "it was only 2yrs old and a FOMOCO brand" So I replaced it with a doorman lifetime warranty from Autozone.
I also replaced the Heater hose from the water pump to the degas bottle thinking it maybe leaking but it wasn't
I am wondering if the ROTELLA RED ELC coolant is what is dry rotting or giving me the issue. All of those hoses where about 2 yrs old. The lower one had a crack in it for sure. The other upper probably just a clamp but I replaced the whole thing anyways...
Last week I replaced the upper radiator hose which was leaking on top of the thermostat housing.
Then I noticed my degas bottle was cracked "it was only 2yrs old and a FOMOCO brand" So I replaced it with a doorman lifetime warranty from Autozone.
I also replaced the Heater hose from the water pump to the degas bottle thinking it maybe leaking but it wasn't
I am wondering if the ROTELLA RED ELC coolant is what is dry rotting or giving me the issue. All of those hoses where about 2 yrs old. The lower one had a crack in it for sure. The other upper probably just a clamp but I replaced the whole thing anyways...