Coolant leak problem, sort of
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Perry Georgia
Coolant leak problem, sort of
A few weeks ago or it might have been months ago I had coolant leaking from the right front area but could never find the leak. I even used the coolant leak checker from Oreilly's. I quit adding coolant to the overflow tank and started watching the temp gage. No change. I checked the coolant in the radiator so I knew what the level was. I checked the level every day or so for awhile then about every week but the level never went down once it got to about 1" below the radiator cap. To this day she stays at the same level. FYI, I have a 1987 F250 6.9 with an C6 automatic 2 wheel drive and I have a/c which I use regularly, lately. I replaced the radiator about a year ago and the heater and cap within the last 6 months. Bad cap? I bought the cap called for which I think was a 13lb cap. Not having any problems but wonder why I can't keep any coolant in the overflo tank which I used to check for any coolant problems instead of having to remov the cap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
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From: So. Jersey
Quite possibly the leak you were noticing may be the head gasket or thermostat housing gasket weeping under pressure. When you allow the coolant level to be low in the radiator, the air space compresses enough where it doesn't push out the coolant at the failing gasket. Remember air compresses, water don't. When you have the radiator filled with water the pressure builds and the water has to go somewhere so if it has a spot less than the caps 13psi, it will push the coolant out somewhere else like a bad gasket.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Perry Georgia
Since I quit adding coolant to the overflow tank there hasn't been any water leaking from the right side of the engine compartment. It has been dry, completely dry. I replaced the hoses when I noticed the leaking but nothing changed til I quit adding coolant to the tank. I could check the radiator and the coolant was right up to the to of the neck. When the leak was happening there would be water running from the engine compartment and down the steering parts. I've checked the overflow tank and hose and there aren't any leaks.
