I have a 97' F150 4.6 Supercab with about 200k on it now. After losing coolant consistenly over a month and adding about a jug a week... I finally spotted the source of the leak and steam.

I spotted coolant bubbling out from the edge of the exaust manifold passenger side. My Haynes manual doesn't seem to show the location of the feeze plugs as I've been lead to believe this might be the source so I'm hoping one of you experts out there could give me some advice!

Obviously at 200K I have no intention of dumping a lot of money into this vehicle but don't mind dishing out for a new freeze plug if that is the case (and if someone is able to confirm that there is one just behind or near the manifold).

Also, the coolant when flushed looked clean still and there was no water in my oil at my last change just a few days ago.

Any help is definitely appreciated!!!

Thanks,

Paul

 

Check this pic out

 

That is VERY helpful!

So, if I am reading that right... and I'm probably not! lol

It is at least possible that a freeze plug could be leaking to cause a leak that appears to come from behind the exaust manifold? Obviously can't say with certaintly at this point... but... I am not sure where else it would come from.

Thanks a million for that pic though. Great!

 

I would be more worried that its a leaking head gasket. Also don't overlook the tube that runs under the intake, it could just be running out there. I would borrow a leak pressure tester from AutoZone and verify where the leak is coming from with out having to deal with the engine running.
Thank Neal for taking the pic.

 

Yeah, I am already a bit worried it is the head gasket! But, of course... I'd much rather verify or eliminate other possibilities before scrapping the truck. For the money it will take to do the head gasket job I can put my TBird on the road which is much more fun to drive anyway! lol But... I will get it pressure tested to help verify.

And thanks Neal for the pic! Thanks Torkum for posting it!

 

pkalverda,
I had the same problem and found your post searching for answers. I fixed it simply and cheaply by using BAR'S Head Gasket Repair - Block Seal.

I am still surprised it worked as I have never had luck in the past with this sort of fix. Mine was not a leak it was more like a steady trickle from the same area you are talking about.

I followed the instructions exactly- removing and flushing all antifreeze from the system, mixing the BAR'S with warm water and pouring into the radiator and then running the engine the way they mention in the instructions. I actually flushed it out instead of letting it sit like they recommend and after 24 hours when I started it up it still leaked but once it warmed up it stopped and hasn't leaked since.

For 10 bucks it is worth a shot. You have to remove all antifreeze from the system though because it will make the BAR'S turn to gel and clog your system if you don't.

Good Luck!

 

..one more thought ..if you take a look at the area you suspect it is leaking by looking over the top of the front tire you will more than likely see that it is not a freeze plug but it is coming from an area above that plug that you won't be able to see...probably the outer part of the head gasket. I was having NO other symptoms of a bad head gasket (white smoke out the bake for instance).