I have a 2011 F350 6.7l diesel and I have been smelling coolant, although I cannot find any trace of a leak with a quick look. My coolant is very low and I'm wondering where it is going. In addition, I noticed that my oil level is very high. I have drained some of the oil through the dipstick tube and do not see any sign of coolant, nor the milky brown color that appears to be prevalent in engine oil that has coolant present. Initially, I feared that the coolant was getting into the oil, but it sure doesn't look like it. I also checked the coolant in the reservoir and there is no sign of oil in it.

I do a lot of short trips and have heard that diesel can actually mix with the oil under those driving conditions, but the level is really high. Unfortunately, after having the dealer change the oil awhile back, I failed to check it to see if they had overfilled it. The truck is running great and I have not noticed any temperature level increases.

I am left wondering where the coolant went and whether it is related to the rise in my oil levels, or if they are two completely separate issues?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated!! Also, I am also new to the Ormond Beach/Daytona, Florida area and would appreciate any recommendations for any reliable, local mechanics/shops that could address these issues without having to go to the dealership.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

2 things. Who changes your oil for you? 6.7L takes 13 QTS, not 15 QTS. Early owners manuals had the error in them. On 2011's a common leak location was the drivers side bottom the radiator where the plastic side tank is crimped to the aluminum. check there. Also check the large return hose, as water pump could be leaking. Those are easy things to check. It;s not a common failure like 6.0's were to blow headgasket, but more likely could be oil cooler might be bad. Someone else should be coming along and might be able to suggest some tests for you to perform.

 

Because I am new to the area, I took it to the local Ford dealer to get the oil change done. I have actually removed about 5 quarts of oil through the dipstick to bring it down into range.

 

When I check those locations for leakage, should the truck be running?

 

Ok, I found a coolant leak, but not sure where its coming from. I dragged myself under the truck while it was running and managed to get these photos if anyone has any ideas? It appears to be coming along a path from where a hose connects right above the oil pan drain plug.

 

The quick connects that provide oil and coolant to the turbo are notorious for leaking and the coolant will run down the side of the block. Look down into the valley of the engine and if it's wet, then coolant is leaking from your turbo quick connect.

 

The valley doesn't look wet, however, the turbo coolant hose quick connect back near the firewall looks like it is wet around it.

 

If you have removed 5qts of "oil", then it seems like you might have an internal oil/coolant leak. The manual mis-print could account for 2 Qts, not 5. I saw your comments though about not seeing any mixing going on. I dont know how mechanically inclined you are, but given the quantities you are talking about, I probably would get it into a mechanic/dealer ASAP in the event that there is coolant in the oil pan.

As for is this one problem or two, my question would be how quickly are the levels changing? If you reset coolant to the correct level, how quickly is it dropping? Minimally, you could change your oil again, and see what is found. Water is heavier than oil, so pulling oil from the dipstick might not see it.

 

BINGO. give the man a prize. the early 6.7's are known to have a PAX side valve cover manifold crack which will put coolant into the crank case.

a test for this is to let the engine site over night. then slowly turn the oil drain plug with out removing it. when you get down to the last few threads....if there is coolant in you crank case...it will pass thru the last few threads since coolant is thinner than oil and no oil will pass thruu the threads. you can drain most of the coolant this wat to get a sense as to how much is leaking into the crank case.

be advised, oil contaminated with coolant can destroy your engine.

 

I would send an oil sample to a lab to test it for coolant dilution and fuel dilution ie. blackstone or labone.
checking the drain plug is a good idea but also remember that the drain is above the bottom of the pan so coolant can still be in there and not flow out.

 

Not sure what quick connect your referring to, but it sounds like you found your potential leak source. If you identified external coolant on the engine per your pictures you don't have a internal engine problem. Please share your findings.

 

I have had coolant leaks from the upper radiator hose, turbo coolant line and failed primary water pump on my 2011. The failed water pump is easier to identify because it's forward of where you are looking so primary water pump isn't likely your issue and upper radiator hose will have coolant in the valley so if your leak is external, turbo coolant line is looking like the correct area to investigate. Apparently I didn't take pictures but I recall the oil pan being wet along with everything else further down the frame. It took a week or two to get into the dealer at the time and I remember going through 2 gal of concentrate plus distilled water, it was a sizable leak.

For the oil, I agree with others you should either get a sample and wait for the test results or drain the oil to see what you discover then make a decision from there. 5 qts is a lot, either the dealer quick change person fell asleep when filling or you have +/-1.25 gal of coolant in the oil.