spewing coolant.

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Jun 5, 2009 | 05:33 PM

mattmayo

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spewing coolant.

thanks for looking
1989 f150 5.0
normally i don't have a problem with my trucks cooling system, but for some reason-not every time i drive it, but, sometimes after i get home it dumps all of the coolant thats in the reservoir (thats it) on the ground somewhere between 5-20 mins after i turn it off. i believe it is leaking from the side of the radiator. but its been like 3 months since the last time it has done it. the weather is not any warmer, but i did drive further than i normally do. it probably needs a new cap, but what causes this? plese help.

Jun 5, 2009 | 06:38 PM

mattmayo

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also ive read on here the gauges are not realy accurate and my coolant gauge barely goes over the white normal line- is this something i should be concerned about or just normal

Jun 5, 2009 | 08:21 PM

1966Tbird

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put a real gauge on it and it should be at 160-180 deg. if it were my truck i wouldn't worry about the leak and just put more coolant in it when the temp starts to get over what it normally runs

Jun 5, 2009 | 09:09 PM

mattmayo

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thanks t bird

Jun 6, 2009 | 05:11 AM

Blue Rebel

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From: Cottage Grove, WI

The temp gauge is normally pretty accurate, or at least as accurate as a gauge with no numbers on it can be.... lol. Its the oil pressure gauge that is absolutely worthless.

Jun 6, 2009 | 05:57 AM

lew52

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I would replace rad cap , check line that goes to reservoir , check or replace thermostate , pressure test system for leaks , check fan clutch..Lew

Jun 6, 2009 | 06:14 AM

TexasGuy001

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Mine has done this for years. I have replaced everything at least once. I don't know why it does it. I just keep the expansion tank filled up so that it doesn't run low on coolant. Its odd though, because it doesn't always do it. I would like to know why it does it as well.