Coolant "leak"
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 51
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From: Atlanta, GA, USA
Coolant "leak"
Hey Guys,
I've noticed an interesting leak developing in my engine. It started around 30k miles. There was a green ring around the metal tube leading to the heater core. It's a 2000 4.6, the location of the tube is just to the left of the alternator and it bends to the left at a 15 degree angle. The green ring is at the base of this metal tube.
Now at 60K miles, the ring has progressed into a ring of coolant. It's not such an appreciable loss of coolant that I have to keep refilling the reservoir.
Does anyone know if this is an indication of a bigger issue or just a tube/seal that needs to be replaced? If the case is the latter, how difficult is it to remove and replace it? I'm pretty mechanically inclined so I'm not deterred easily
Any information would help.
Thanks!!!
-Al
P.S. My transmission is great for anyone curious. I believe a number of the 5-speed owners who complain may be shifting a tad too fast. I know. . . I used to be one of them
2000 4.6L 5-speed Black Sport
I've noticed an interesting leak developing in my engine. It started around 30k miles. There was a green ring around the metal tube leading to the heater core. It's a 2000 4.6, the location of the tube is just to the left of the alternator and it bends to the left at a 15 degree angle. The green ring is at the base of this metal tube.
Now at 60K miles, the ring has progressed into a ring of coolant. It's not such an appreciable loss of coolant that I have to keep refilling the reservoir.
Does anyone know if this is an indication of a bigger issue or just a tube/seal that needs to be replaced? If the case is the latter, how difficult is it to remove and replace it? I'm pretty mechanically inclined so I'm not deterred easily
Any information would help.Thanks!!!
-Al
P.S. My transmission is great for anyone curious. I believe a number of the 5-speed owners who complain may be shifting a tad too fast. I know. . . I used to be one of them
2000 4.6L 5-speed Black Sport
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,704
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From: Mpls, MN
Sounds like the quick disconnect clamp is the problem. Ford has a TSB related to the connection at the heater hose itself leaking.
This should be a simple fix with no internal leakage to worry about.
This should be a simple fix with no internal leakage to worry about.
thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 213
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From: Milan, Il USA
Actually, I have a Clymer book for my 150 and they say to replace all the stupid/cheap factory hose clamps with 'real' stainless hose clamps. I would imagine that the simple clamps are used so the folks that put these things together don't smash the tubes the hoses connect to like the plastic connectors that come out of the plastic radiator tanks. I replaced all of mine and it seems that everyone should probably do the same if they have time on a rainy day...
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 51
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From: Atlanta, GA, USA
still leaking . . ..
Ron,
I tried the hose clamp, but the leak is still present. I've run my finger around the base of the heater core hose and I didn't feel any residue or see any green particles on my finger. The steel tube is dry all around except for the base. I'm reverting back to my original hunch that it's the base of the tube that's oozing. I guess I'll have to cough up the $50 and take it to a dealer to let them look at it.
Thanks for your response!
-Alvin
I tried the hose clamp, but the leak is still present. I've run my finger around the base of the heater core hose and I didn't feel any residue or see any green particles on my finger. The steel tube is dry all around except for the base. I'm reverting back to my original hunch that it's the base of the tube that's oozing. I guess I'll have to cough up the $50 and take it to a dealer to let them look at it.
Thanks for your response!
-Alvin