Losing Antifreeze
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 119
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From: Michigan
Losing Antifreeze
95 F-150 5.0 liter
Recently I have noticed that my overflow bottle has been empty. I fill it up to the cold line , but two weeks later it's empty again. I see no leaks in the system (changed all the hoses and thermostat within the last six months.) My oil (just changed it) appears ok. Anyone have any suggestions where it might be going? When I start the truck it squeels if it's been sitting for a period of time. I'm wondering if my water pump is going bad. Temprature gauge is normal. Any thoughts?
Recently I have noticed that my overflow bottle has been empty. I fill it up to the cold line , but two weeks later it's empty again. I see no leaks in the system (changed all the hoses and thermostat within the last six months.) My oil (just changed it) appears ok. Anyone have any suggestions where it might be going? When I start the truck it squeels if it's been sitting for a period of time. I'm wondering if my water pump is going bad. Temprature gauge is normal. Any thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 113
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From: michigan
Could be you water pump. If loses coolant that slowly you may have to wait till it gets worse before you can pinpoint the leak. Check the small hole by your water pump seal to see if it looks stained from leakage.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
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From: Vancouver WA
Can you smell antifreeze after you've been driving and shut it off? Get under the front and check carefully for leaks around the seams between the metal core and plastic end caps on the radiator.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
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From: Indiana
I just replaced my radiator this past weekend. It started as a very slow leak between the core and the tank. I could only see fluid and smell it when I shut off the engine, and it was hidden behind the fan shroud. Needless to say when it decided to let go it went all at once...blew the tank gasket. Luckily for me it was in my driveway. 
And I never try to repair an aluminum and plastic radiator. It's much cheaper to replace it with a new one then to run the risk of overheating later and burning up the motor.
And I never try to repair an aluminum and plastic radiator. It's much cheaper to replace it with a new one then to run the risk of overheating later and burning up the motor.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 608
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From: TAOS NM
check you upper and lower intake especially around the the water port areas you'll probably see some build up indicating therers a leak, or is there coolant on the intake close to the injector s.
i had leaking upper intake and always smelt coolant vapors after driving and during.
i had leaking upper intake and always smelt coolant vapors after driving and during.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 138
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From: New Hampshire
If your hoses on your radiator are not secured tightly enough, the fluid will slowly evaporate....Also, If you filled your system and din't purge the air out, it could be still working the air out of the system perhaps.....
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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I recently experienced some loss of coolant, started out slow and was unnoticeable. Ended up being the water pump.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 505
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From: Castle Rock, Colorado
You got 10 or so ideas to check. Basically go over your whole entire cooling system piece by piece. check all hoses. Hope it's a hose and not a water pump. Normally with hoses though, it's very noticable(i.e. it burst)
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