Coolant Leak
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Florida
Coolant Leak
Had a leaky heater core a few months ago. Did the bypass. Everything was fine until now. There seems to be a leak near the same area. Coolant/water is leaking unto the same area as the heater core leak. I can't seem to find the source anywhere. All the hoses seem fine. Is there a hard to find hose back there? It's a very steady leak. Not pouring out but fast enough to where you would be scared to just drive it to the shop. Any ideas???
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
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Are you sure its the heater core? In the Hanes manual, page 1-18, it describes a coolant leak were the coolant comes out of the back of the engine. I imagine it could follow the lines and look like a heater coil leak. To get to it you have to remove the intake manifold. Also I hope you are in the habit of adding 50% mixture antifreeze/distilled water to top off the coolant, noticed in Florida people are in the habit of just adding water, which will start a boat load of future headaches with the coolant system.
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From: Florida
It's not the heater core. I have already bypassed the heater core months ago. As already mentioned. The leak seems to be coming from the same area. "Looks like a heater core leak." As you say, it's coming out the back soemwhere. I always use 50/50 when adding fluid. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue as to what the previous owner has used in the past.
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Ok, during the night all the coolant drained out. I just got a good look in the daylight and found a couple of leaks where water is squirting out what looks to be a couple of pinholes. I can see the water streaming just not the exact location. Almost looks like a gasket leak.
The leak is underneath the alternator. Not too familiar with the Ford 4.6. What is the fan hooked onto? Underneath the alternator , behind whatever holds the fan in place. Behind that is where the leak is located. I can't even tell if it's the water pump. If it is, it would make sense. Anyone have a microfishe of a 4.6???
The leak is underneath the alternator. Not too familiar with the Ford 4.6. What is the fan hooked onto? Underneath the alternator , behind whatever holds the fan in place. Behind that is where the leak is located. I can't even tell if it's the water pump. If it is, it would make sense. Anyone have a microfishe of a 4.6???
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From: Florida
Silly me. There is a diagram right on the radiator cover. Looks to be the water pump. I used a flashlight and a mirror to see where the water was squirting out from. There is a fitting that appears to be coming out at the rear of the water pump area. The fitting points straight to the back of the truck and has a couple of pinholes squirting water.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
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Sounds like that fitting, as I've never heard of the gasket failing unless the engine was abuse overheated. If you're going to DIY, get a Hanes manual and it should pinpoint the problem. There is a wept hole on the bottom, front of the water pump to give you an early warning the pump is about to fail, check that too. Also I've never had any luck with aftermarket pump rebuilds. Always go with a new Ford or Ford rebuilt. PS All the coolant didn't drain out of the engine, you can't get all the coolant out unless you pull the freeze plugs, which I don't recommend. There's a block plug on the left side of the engine, its 17mm or 11/16", and is just below the freeze plug. It looks like brass, but is anodized Soft steel, and is in there with Gasoila pipe dope so I'd recommend a six point socket. There will still be a gallon of coolant in the engine with this plug pulled.
Last edited by Aftrmidnite; Nov 23, 2004 at 05:50 PM.
