losing water
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
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losing water
hey, looking forward to maybe getting some help.
87 with a 302 injected.
I lose water but can't find a leak. Have changed out a few hoses and the radiator cap. It even loses water when parked and not running.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
87 with a 302 injected.
I lose water but can't find a leak. Have changed out a few hoses and the radiator cap. It even loses water when parked and not running.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
Look for dried antifreeze between the radiator core and the radiator tanks. A likely source of coolant loss--especially if the radiator is original.If this is the source--the rubber O rings that seal the tanks to the core are leaking.And usually only does this when the engine is running and the cooling system is pressurized. Pressurizing the system with the engine not running ,wouldnt be a bad idea neither,as a test.
It can seem that the coolant is disappearing when the engine isnt running because the coolant can be lost during operation-and not noticed until the system cools down and the overflow reservoir is lower the next morning.
When changing the oil-place the used oil in a clear container and check for antifreeze at the bottom of the container the next day.
It can seem that the coolant is disappearing when the engine isnt running because the coolant can be lost during operation-and not noticed until the system cools down and the overflow reservoir is lower the next morning.
When changing the oil-place the used oil in a clear container and check for antifreeze at the bottom of the container the next day.
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Freshman User
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no water in the oil, but have not changed it since this issue started. No stream in exhaust.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 45
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Look for dried antifreeze between the radiator core and the radiator tanks. A likely source of coolant loss--especially if the radiator is original.If this is the source--the rubber O rings that seal the tanks to the core are leaking.And usually only does this when the engine is running and the cooling system is pressurized. Pressurizing the system with the engine not running ,wouldnt be a bad idea neither,as a test.
It can seem that the coolant is disappearing when the engine isnt running because the coolant can be lost during operation-and not noticed until the system cools down and the overflow reservoir is lower the next morning.
When changing the oil-place the used oil in a clear container and check for antifreeze at the bottom of the container the next day.
It can seem that the coolant is disappearing when the engine isnt running because the coolant can be lost during operation-and not noticed until the system cools down and the overflow reservoir is lower the next morning.
When changing the oil-place the used oil in a clear container and check for antifreeze at the bottom of the container the next day.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
Then Phoneman probably nailed it, tank seals give out on these radiators. you can try to have the tanks re-crimped or look for a new radiator.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
How hot is it there in Cali this time of year?? Does the truck have air conditioning?? If so-are you using it when this trouble occurs??
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 973
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
First off.....Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts
I would park it hot and get a good light and try to find the leak. If it appears to be coming from the rad area...then phoneman91 has likely given you the answer. Check bottom rad hose?..sometimes it'll leak and run down the underside of the hose and drip under the front of the engine.
I just had to replace my rad as well when a crimp/gasket gave out...or at least that is where it leaked from. I could find nothing visibly wrong either.
If you have straight water in your engine, it might be harder to tell.
Let us know what you find.
worth mentioning for sure!
I would park it hot and get a good light and try to find the leak. If it appears to be coming from the rad area...then phoneman91 has likely given you the answer. Check bottom rad hose?..sometimes it'll leak and run down the underside of the hose and drip under the front of the engine.
I just had to replace my rad as well when a crimp/gasket gave out...or at least that is where it leaked from. I could find nothing visibly wrong either.
If you have straight water in your engine, it might be harder to tell.
Let us know what you find.
worth mentioning for sure!
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Freshman User
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It's been cold, 30's mostly, rain and snow off and on. Has air, but never used.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
First off.....Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts
I would park it hot and get a good light and try to find the leak. If it appears to be coming from the rad area...then phoneman91 has likely given you the answer. Check bottom rad hose?..sometimes it'll leak and run down the underside of the hose and drip under the front of the engine.
I just had to replace my rad as well when a crimp/gasket gave out...or at least that is where it leaked from. I could find nothing visibly wrong either.
If you have straight water in your engine, it might be harder to tell.
Let us know what you find.
worth mentioning for sure!
I would park it hot and get a good light and try to find the leak. If it appears to be coming from the rad area...then phoneman91 has likely given you the answer. Check bottom rad hose?..sometimes it'll leak and run down the underside of the hose and drip under the front of the engine.
I just had to replace my rad as well when a crimp/gasket gave out...or at least that is where it leaked from. I could find nothing visibly wrong either.
If you have straight water in your engine, it might be harder to tell.
Let us know what you find.
worth mentioning for sure!
I replaced the bottom hose.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
Is this pure water?? Not antifreeze?? Clear water?? Where under the truck does the water seem to be coming from?? In front of the front wheels?? Behind the front wheels?? On passenger or drivers side??
Is the resevoir tank at normal level or empty in the morning??
Is the resevoir tank at normal level or empty in the morning??
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Freshman User
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It's antifreeze/water. The water on the ground is about in the middle between the front tires. Like almost straight down from the water pump. But there is never any visable leak. And sometimes the the resevoir is empty and some times it's not.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: Gatineau, Quebec
Water pumps have a weeper hole which will leak when the pump goes bad. Not sure if it only leaks when running or if it will leak when manually pressurized, but If it does appear to be your water/coolant in the spot you mentioned, I would check the thermostat housing for leaks or sign of leaks( crud buildup...color will depend on amount of coolant in water), but I'm suspecting that your pump is done.
Find the hole..make sure it is dry and then run your truck and see if it leaks from that hole or if the hole is wet after you shut it down. Not sure why it would only leak intermittently.
Let us know...best of luck!
Find the hole..make sure it is dry and then run your truck and see if it leaks from that hole or if the hole is wet after you shut it down. Not sure why it would only leak intermittently.
Let us know...best of luck!
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Freshman User
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