04 Expedition 5.4L Overheating
 

Hey guys Noob here...My Expedition has been overheating and losing water every 4 days or so. I removed the engine cover to inspect all the hoses. I found a hose that seems to be leaking (I think it's the heater hose) It is leaking at the inlet next to the Alternator. I see no splits in the hose at all. But at that inlet there is rust stains on the block and the valve cover. Obviously coming from that hose. Could this be from a clogged heater core or something causing too much back pressure? Also, when I removed the hose to inspect I turned the engine over to get an idea of flow direction. Water came out of that inlet like a damn volcano...If it is the heater core what is the best way to bypass it? Any help would be appreciated!