I just joined up, and have a '93 F150 4x4 XLT with the 5.8(351W) motor. lately, I've noticed a coolant smell when the motor is hot, and the truck will use about 3/4 of the contents of the overflow in 3000 miles. Recently, I noticed a few drops of coolant on the crossmember, but none on the ground. I just replaced the radiator, ALL hoses(retorqued the clamps after 500 and 1000 miles), new heater core, and a system flush. I can't seem to find where it is coming from, and a pressure test reveals nothing. I can't see the freeze plugs, and know the old 305 Chevys were notorious for eating them. This is my first Ford truck in years, and the wife loves the way it handles/drives for it's size. Any ideas?

 

I don't know where your water is coming from, but when a water pump is on its way out it will leak. Sometimes it will pour, sometimes drip. There are weep holes on it to allow the leaking fluid to escape. The water pump is connected to the fan on most vehicles. Check it out.

 

Check you freeze plugs and intake manifold.

 

if a pressure test does not reveal a leak then i would look closely at the weep hole on the water pump also. look for a rusty trail leading from the hole. the seal may only leak when its turning or in a certain spot.

 

Agreed. BTW, the weep hole is located under the waterpump shaft, at 6 o'clock if you're looking at it from the front.