Coolant Loss

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Jun 3, 2010 | 11:31 AM

tcough

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Coolant Loss

1999 Expedition XLT 5.4. Came home last night, coolant was low. Attempted to fill coolant, could hear water draining from back of engine. Drains down passenger side by the starter. Can't see where its coming from. Are there and hoses under the intake manafold? Any Ideas?

Tom

Jun 3, 2010 | 12:04 PM

99ExpyProblems

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Check the supply and return heater hoses at the engine are likely where it is leaking. I flush change my coolant every 2 years on my 99 and have never had a leak.

Jun 3, 2010 | 04:58 PM

tcough

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Is access to these hoses from on top or from under? I didn't see them during a quick look.

Tom

Jun 4, 2010 | 12:01 AM

tcough

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Found hoses, they look perfect. Water is coming out on passenger side just above the starter. Its not just weeping but pouring out. Pulled wheel well open for better look but exhaust pipe and manifold are in the way to see. Need one of those cameras.

Tom

Jun 4, 2010 | 12:24 AM

alloro

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Sounds like you popped a freeze plug.

Jun 4, 2010 | 11:27 AM

99ExpyProblems

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There is a coolant line that runs from water pump to under the intake. Check for a leak up high.

If not that, then it's probably a freeze plug. Unfortunately, there is one in the back of the head (lower middle), and one inside the tranny bell housing on the back of the engine block on that passenger side. Get a mirror and see if it is coming from up high. It's nearly impossible to see, but try your best. Going off of your description If it is leaking around the top of the starter and not coming out of the tranny drain hole, the likely leak IS the head freeze plug or even the heads themselves. Pressure test might help you more, but that will probably require towing to a shop or a VERY short trip watching the gauges to get it there. Not sure what Ford charges for this, but likely upwards of $500 to diagnose and replace.

Good Luck.

Aug 11, 2010 | 06:34 PM

tcough

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Found it

Finaly found leak. Had to pull off intake manifold and the metal pipe coming out the back of the water pump had a hole in it right in the middle of the intake area.

New issue. Everthing is back in except 1 of the emissions pipes. Its the one that comes off the passenger side cam cover and connects to the intake but also goes around to the back of the engine. It has a size adapter from about a half inch up to about an inch. I can't find the connection on the manifold where it goes.

Any guess's or pics.

Tom
1999
5.4 Expedition