1998 Ford F-150 4x4, 4.6V8, Crew

Coolant leaking from somewhere leaving puddles. Its accumulating around the bell housing and dripping off, more than likely traveling from somewhere.

Now occasionally the heater will blow cool air and temp guage will rise close to overheat. Warm air starts flowing again and temp guage goes back to normal.

Leak stopped. Checked my coolant reservoir and it was almost dry. Put coolant in to "full when cold" line. Now it doesnt blow cold air, but still leaks coolant. Reservoir eventually went dry again, started doing the cold air blowing thing again...round and round.

I do not smell the coolant in the cab. Although when I get out of the truck I can smell it by the motor (probably dripping on there from someplace)

Maybe I have answered my own question here as I am typing this. Fix the coolant leak...right?? I've already changed the thermostat. Any ideas where to start looking?

Thanks for any replies

 

Could be the water pump is going.
Best to get the system pressure checked.
If no large leak can be found there are other ways to diagnose.
They will follow the shop manual.

 

could be that hose under the intake right behind the water pump. with engine cold u can stick your hand dowm there. flashlight helps to.it leaks and runs down back of the engine.

 

Check your hoses first. Make sure coolant level is full, run to operating temp. and turn the motor off. Any consistant leaks should appear.

 

Since you say it's dripping off the bellhousing...check the two connections on the passenger side engine compartment where the 3/4ish inch hoses go into the firewall. (your heater core)

 

My 98 4.6 did pretty much the same thing. The only difference was mine did not leave any puddles. Finally pulled the front timing cover and found the "freeze plugs" leaking and going directly into the crankcase.