I'm having a hard time tracking down a water leak in my 96 f-150 XLT with 5.0 liter 302 V8.

I'll give you the long story first.

Bought the truck and noticed that there was a small amount of coolant coming out of the bolt on the intake manifold that is closest to the front of the engine. I investigated and soon found that the bolt was broken in half and someone had just siliconed in back in place. It was impossible to get an easy out in there without removing the whole intake manifold so I ended up jb-welding the hole shut.

Soon after this I started noticing a leak on the ground. It looked like it was originating from the water pump. I decided to switch it out. While digging arounf in there I also found what looked like a leak from the radiator also. So I ended up replacing the water pump, the thermostat, the radiator, the upper and lower radiator hose and couple of smaller hoses.

Got everything back together and the leak was still there and now seems bigger.

Went out and tried to find the leak after warming it up and it appears to be coming from further up on the engine. There is a damp line from BEHIND the waterpump housing. It's not leaking from the pump itself or any houses in that area.

The only thing I can think of is that there is a some sort of issue with the intake manifolds. I assume there is some coolant flowing though it and that the leak may be coming from there.

My next step is to get a pressure tester and see if I can find the exact place it is leaking from. I suspect it will be the intake manifold.

Do you guys have any ideas or opinions?

How difficult is it to remove the manifold and R and R the gaskets and such? Any special things to be aware of?

Thanks

 

Not sure, but I THINK that there is a water jacket that is where the bolt you described on the intake is at. Sounds like water could be leaking from the intake??????

 

I guess so. I've exhausted all the routine avenues for leaks...

thanks for the reply