Coolant leak

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Jul 7, 2019 | 06:46 PM

pkthomas

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Coolant leak

So I drive my Excursion very little. And when I do it normally it is towing our camper. The last few tows I have noticed a coolant smell. No leaking, not over heating. Saturday I had the same smell when we got home, less than 10 miles. Had a small puddle under the truck this time. So today I went to HF and got a test kit. Pumped it up, no leak. But could smell coolant. So I started it under pressure. Coolant flies put from behind the fan.

So any surgeons on a water pump brand? And what temp thermostat?

Jul 7, 2019 | 09:39 PM

WE3ZS

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From: Media PA

What engine do you have?

Jul 8, 2019 | 06:47 AM

pkthomas

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I have the 7.3.

Jul 8, 2019 | 08:34 AM

ArmyLifer

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From: Phenix City, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkthomas

So any surgeons on a water pump brand? And what temp thermostat?

I went with the “OEM” water pump from Riffraff. Still good after two years. There are spirited discussions on thermostat temps. I went with stock (194?), but I live in the south. Others say at 203 the engine is more efficient. Still others want a 180 for towing heavy. Made my head hurt.

You might get more action over on the Diesel 7.3 forum.

Jul 8, 2019 | 09:10 AM

pkthomas

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Thanks for the input. I may post over there.

Jul 8, 2019 | 09:11 AM

wildstang

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From: Orange, Vermont

How many miles on it?
I replaced mine a couple months ago. It was definitely leaking from the shaft. If you loosen the belt and can wiggle the fan then that it a real good indication that the bearing and seal in the pump are going. I just used a local parts store replacement one.

Jul 8, 2019 | 11:04 AM

pkthomas

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The water pump has less than 15k on it. I bought it local a few years ago, NAPA maybe. I found a Gates on Amazon for $52 and a 192° thermostat. I think that is the way I am going.