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6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

coolant leak when cold

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Old Dec 9, 2025 | 11:37 AM
  #1  
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coolant leak when cold

2003.5 f350 drw. This truck has a 95 cummins 12valve in it so i will be asking this same question in the cummins forum.

Took the truck hunting a couple weeks ago everything ran perfect. Truck sat a camp for 3 days and when i went to leave i noticed a puddle of coolant under the front right corner, of the radiator. Filled it up, drove approximately 250 miles, stopped 3 different times checking it and it never leaked again. parked the truck for 3 more days and same thing. as soon as it got cold, 6 below zero it started leaking again. Filled it back up, approximately 1/2 gallon, drove home 350 miles, never leaked once. parked it in my heated shop. has not leaked since.
Questions, Is there an O ring, gasket, or other point in the system that is a common issue for this,
 
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Old Dec 9, 2025 | 06:12 PM
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Radiator tanks are clamped in place with a cord seal. Over time, the clamps can relax a little, and the seal can shrink. So, under the very coldest temperatures, the clamp pressure may be relaxed, allowing a leak. But when things heat up and expand, they seal tight.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2025 | 09:01 AM
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Go through and tighten all the worm drive clamps in the system, as things contract when cold that can be a leak source.

 
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