Minor Engine Coolant Leak
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 28
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From: Austin
Minor Engine Coolant Leak
Hi guys... I've got a 1998 4.6. I have noticed lately my engine coolant fluid level in the engine coolant recovery tank has dropped about an inch after remaining at exactly the same point inbetween the min and max marks for the last couple years (since it was flushed last.) I appear to be loosing a very minor amount of engine coolant somewhere. I also noticed a white residue on my DRIVERS side valve cover. Could the two be related? If not, where exactly is the 'fitting' that is notorious for leaking engine coolant? Any other ideas where it could be leaking from? (I have do not belive the leak is bad enough to make it to the ground.)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,317
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Chris,
I just recently has a slight seep on my '95. In my case it was enough to leave a small drip after shutdown, and I noticed it.
Turned out to be a very minor weep at the side tank/radiator connection on the inlet (top) side. The guy I took it to for a new seal said that this is not uncommon as newer trucks run a little warmer, and the mount is part of the tank.
On my truck there is a lower brace to hold the radiator. If not for the holes being in the right place I doubt any of the fluid would have hit the ground but would have more than likely blown back at speed. Check around the radiator first IMO. Most likely if the coolant was hitting any engine surfaces you would get that nasty coolant smell as it evaporated off.
I would get the truck up to temp, and then start looking very closely as the suspect areas. These slow ones can be harder to find at times.
I just recently has a slight seep on my '95. In my case it was enough to leave a small drip after shutdown, and I noticed it.
Turned out to be a very minor weep at the side tank/radiator connection on the inlet (top) side. The guy I took it to for a new seal said that this is not uncommon as newer trucks run a little warmer, and the mount is part of the tank.
On my truck there is a lower brace to hold the radiator. If not for the holes being in the right place I doubt any of the fluid would have hit the ground but would have more than likely blown back at speed. Check around the radiator first IMO. Most likely if the coolant was hitting any engine surfaces you would get that nasty coolant smell as it evaporated off.
I would get the truck up to temp, and then start looking very closely as the suspect areas. These slow ones can be harder to find at times.