Firstly, I've got a 2000 Scab 4x4 Off Road package with the 5.4L engine...

I've been smelling a faint coolant leak for about 2-3 months now, and I haven't been able to find any kind of leak until today since I jut noticed a "puddle" this morning (I try to keep the engine clean too). The majority of the passenger side of the lower engine is "wet". I pulled the tire off to try to get a better look...

The freeze plug under the exhaust manifold is leaking some, but I think due to the amount of water on the engine, there may be another leak somewhere. Could it be a head gasket leaking to the outside? I can't see this from where I'm looking. There is no appearance of oil in the water, and I haven't noticed any water in the oil yet.

I filled the coolant tank to the line 3 days ago, and I've already lost about 1 - 1 1/2 inches worth of coolant. There also seams to be air bubbles in the coolant.

If this is the freeze plug, what do you think it should cost / labor hours, etc?

If it is the head gasket, what do you think it should cost / labor hours, etc?
Could it be another problem that I've not touched on here?

I do drive it hard every now and then, but it's never been "hot" or started to overheat.

I also flushed and filled about 9 months ago.
I would appreciate any help or information!!

 

It may very well be both--A bad head gasket could allow engine compression to be pumped into your cooling system,and that pressure could pop a freeze plug. Next time she's up at op. temp., try to squeeze your upper rad hose. If it's rock hard, or causes collant to spit out the freeze plug, you may very well have a head gasket leak. But the pressure blown out of the freeze plug may keep the hose from getting hard (the radiator hose ). Get yerself a can or two of gunk and a mirror. Clean the area it's leaking from and try to angle the mirror so you can see the area it's dripping from. Don't drive it: That will just blow the coolant back over the engine, making it more difficult to pinpoint it. If that won't work, have a garage test your collant for engine gasses. Hope this helps some.

 

Check the heater hoses on top rear of passanger side. Known problem with hose leak from clamp. Actually leaks on to the coil in back and causes drivability issues ( if you do a search you will find plenty about this prob.) It is way in the back so not easy to spot ( or fix) give that a good look first before you get to involved with head gasket / freeze plug stuff.

 

Thanks for the replies! I will try to check on all of the suggestions.

If it winds up being a freeze plug or head gasket, will I have to take out a loan? It looks like they are both a pain in the @$$ to get to.

I have noticed a rough idle at times (very rare only at idle in gear like at a traffic light). I looked at the rear coil the best I could at the time, and I didn't really notice anything other than the regular dust. I'm going to have to get "down and dirty" with that and take a look at the back of the engine. I hope its just a heater hose.

Will the coolant leaking on the coil pack and plug require a plug and pack replacement?

Thanks Again!!

 

A frost plug costs a couple of bucks at the most. You need to cöck it sideways and pull it out with plyers. To install you need to press it in. I used a socket and hit it with a hammer. Just make sure it goes in straight. No use in checking any other problems unless you fix the obvious ones firts. Once that is repaired you can hunt down any other leaks.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Little tip on freeze plugs install, I use a spray can of paint and shoot the business end with a little before putting it in . Acts as a lube and makes install easier. dries and seals a little too. See if you can beg or borrow a freeze plug installer. It is a handle with a swivel on the end. At the end of the swivel you put a disk the size of the plug you are installing. this allows you to put the plug in place, then hit the tool with a hammer. The disk has a lip similar to a bearing press. You hit the tool until it will go no more. Presto, plug in place and straight. I know I have seen them on the loaner tool board at the local parts store.

 

Thanks Y'all!!

However, I think I'm screwed, and I'm not talking about the type of cab....

I got under the truck with it at operating temp and the engine running. I can see bubbling from underneath the exhaust manifold (looks to be the 3rd cylinder from the front), and that is dripping down on to the engine mount and starter. I assume the wind while driving is causing it to go all over the side of the engine. There are some corrosion marks on the manifold too.

It is time for an oil change this coming weekend (3,000 miles for me), so I am going to look at the oil with a fine tooth comb so to speak for any water. I hope I've caught it soon enough, and hopefully its broken in a "good" spot not to cause me any engine problems.

There is a really good, and reasonable, garage close to me, and I think I'm just going to run by there to see what the damage will be on the gasket swap.

Are there any questions I will need to ask? I plan on asking them to put distilled water back in with the coolant.

Any advice or "pick me ups" will be appreciated.... Too bad there can't be a 5 year warranty if that's what it takes to pay for one of these trucks....

At any rate, this is the only "problem" I've ever had with it (almost 87,000 miles).