Smelling Anti Freeze, But No Sign of Leak
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Smelling Anti Freeze, But No Sign of Leak
On my 99 XLT 4.6 I have been smelling the unmistakable scent of anti-freeze, but I see no sign of leaking underneath the vehicle. It looks like the reservoir level may have dropped slightly, but I don't see signs of leaks near any hoses.
No change in guages or dash lights.
I smell it with the window down and I don't remember picking this up during previous seasons. I don't think the smell is coming from inside the vehicle.
Any thoughts?
No change in guages or dash lights.
I smell it with the window down and I don't remember picking this up during previous seasons. I don't think the smell is coming from inside the vehicle.
Any thoughts?
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...tle-empty.html
Ford is in the process of tearing my engine down now to find out where it is going.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Norlina NC
i would check your exhaust mate and see if its colored... or if its smells sweet... if it smells sweet then your definitely burning it...i forget if its blue or white... but i think blue is oil and whites antifreeze... and black would be running really rich...
New User
Joined: Jan 2009
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most likely head gasket a they are prone to be go to top this page the recall/ tsb's go to full text look up for excursion or f150 head gskets tsb 03-5-2 ? this manufacurtring machineing chips are wreking havoc on causing gasket failures not just on oil leaks but coolant loss also
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I have narrowed down the location of the odor. It blows out from under the left front wheel well.
I still can't see any actual leakage and I don't see anything that looks like it may be a gasket leak. After refilling the reservoir, I cannot see any appreciable change in the coolant level after about 500 miles of driving....250 on one trip.
I still can't see any actual leakage and I don't see anything that looks like it may be a gasket leak. After refilling the reservoir, I cannot see any appreciable change in the coolant level after about 500 miles of driving....250 on one trip.
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Fleet Owner
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Could've sprung a small leak in the radiator core. The airflow from the fan would keep it from puddling and giving away it's location. The airflow would also carry the odor back and out the wheel well and other places on that side.
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Senior User
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So true. I am going on a drive out to Utah and back in February and since it doesn't overheat, it doesn't smell inside the cab, and whatever is leaking is negligible, I think it will just go for it. If it blows up, they can bury it wherever it dies.
Laughing Gas
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I went through the same issue of smelling af but not seeing it. As I have the 5.4 I lost the number 4 cop due to the leak at that heater hose connection on the right rear above the motor. At least with the 4.6 you do not have cops, but you stiil might have that hose connection.