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I have a 99 F150 with a 4.2V6 with 70,000 miles manufactured 12/98 according to the door and i'm smelling coolant. I have not milk on the cap and my dipstick looks good. I changed the oil about 500 miles ago and didn't notice anything. I'm not smelling it inside so i wouldn't think the heater core is bad but i smell it outside when i get out. I took it in to get tested but they can't find a leak but i've lost a inch or two. I haven't really paid much attention to the coolant level over the last few months but i am smelling it. I can't find a leak. I'm wondering if i need to worry about the gasket problem or if i probobly just have a water pump about to go but the coolant is burning off on the engine. i'd appreciate any input
Sandman,check this website out first; www.leakingfords.com
Try doing a few checks to see if you are losing the coolant in the engine;
1) Sweet smelling white exhaust smoke
2) Coolant in any of the cylinders or on the spark plugs
3) An oil slick in the coolant de-gas bottle
I have a cousin back in Louisiana who lost his 99 4.2 from the lower intake gasket issue,about 5-6 months ago.Ford said the lower intake was not torqued correctly!
Even if it is a heater core problem you have a big job ahead of you. The whole dash has to come out to replace it! Good luck and keep us posted!