OK guys, I need some help. I have a 97 5.4 with 70000 miles on her. I have a water leak coming from the back of the block above the bell housing area. I've disconnected and capped off the heater hoses. The strange thing is that the water leaks out only after I fill the expansion back tank up, about 1.5 gallons. Doesn't matter if I have the engine running or not, I pour the water in, and out it comes from the back. After this 1 1/2 gallons leaks out, I can run the truck all day and it won't leak a drop! Any help would be appreciated.

 

Have a look behind the water pump. There is a hard line that exits the pump from behind and runs the length of the block to the rear. if it is leaking from there it can find its way back to the bellhousing.

Pull the alternator and using a mirror have a look behind the pump.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Thanks for the reply Jean. I'll pull the alt this weekend and have a look. I sure would like to know why the leak slows down to nothing really, after the water in the radiator reaches a certain level, even with the engine running.....

 

I would have the system pressure tested.
That will pin point the leak immediatly. Call around to your local rad shops to see if they have the adapter before you drive out to them to find out that they don't.

JMC