I have a F150 XL 4.6 ltr v8 108,000 miles.
I noticed a pool of coolant on the driveway under the truck.
I traced it to what appears to be drain pipe coming from the firewall. Any idea what this could be. With 108k on the miles I started to get this $ick feeling.

Thanks In Advance!
Squid

 

Are you sure it's coolant or just water? Typically the air conditioner will accumulate moisture and release it under the vehicle. If it's just plain water, then there is nothing to worry about.

 

The fluid coming out is the green coolant. I read some post on heater core problems. Would this be a symptom of that.

 

Hopefully your situation will differ from mine. Mine was dripping underneath on passsenger side and could smell antifreeze when using ventalition system. Ended up being heater core. I had dealer fix it - $705 - Ouch! Almost all labor. Had I had more time I might of tried to fix it myself. Mine was a '97 w/ 4.6 w/ 82k miles. Good luck.

 

sorry it sounds like your heater core. coolant is drianing out of your ac condensate line.

either look at it your self or have someone you trust look at it because it could just be a bad hose/connection in the heater core box.

good luck

 

Many thanks for the replies.

If this is a heater core problem is it something that should fixed ASAP to avoid further damage or does it just mean no heat on those cold mornings?

 

I'm not certain. I'm no mechanic. It may get worse and start leaking into passenger compartment eventually if it's heater core. In my case the smell was enough to require an immediate repair. Do a further search on this board for heater core issues or wait for a reply from someone more knowledgeable. Or take it in and have it diagnosed; that won't cost much.

 

I am not sure about where you are from but it would need immediate attention up here in Canada this time of year. You will end up with a film on your windshield and when it is cool enough to need your defrost there will be a steam that looks like smoke coming from your vents.

It will not fix itself and avoid using any sealants that you add to your coolant. They just gum everything up.

Rob

 

I noticed a small leak coming somewhere from the passenger side rear of the motor. I had just had the motor rebuilt and never noticed any on the ground (just happened to see it when I was checking out the front end). So, i had my dealer test it and the pressure check test were good and I noticed no more small leak.

The other day, I noticed one drop on the driveway but the coolant level is and has stayed up. I also noticed tonight (rainy day then turned cold) moisture on the inside of my windshield.

I hope this is not a possibility of a bad heater core as well? My truck has 101,000 miles

 

To all of you that think you have a heater core leak. Dip the tip of your finger in some antifreeze and smell it. Remember that smell. Then run your truck when it is at operating temp and set the HAC to panel and the temp setting all the way over to hot. Put your nose in front of the vent and smell. If it smells like antifreeze go to your favorite shop and have the system pressure tested. If it fails have the core pressure tested. If it fails replace it. Have the coolant tested for electrolysis. Refer to the following link. http://www.enginecooling.com/electrol.html

FYI

I can change out the heater core in 4 hours. I did mine yesterday. Started at 12:30P.M. and finished at 4:30. The core costs about $60.00 CDN. You do not need to discharge the A/C.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

There is a small problem with the line going into the heater core on the passenger side. I recall this being the problem with the #4 cylinder misfire problems so many people have been having. You should be able to put an Autozone screw-type hose clamp on it and it'll fix the problem.

-Flea

 

Hey JMC, you said it took you about 4 hours to replace your heater core. That is not too bad from what I understand. My question to you is did you have to remove your dash board? Also, you said that you did not have to discharge the A/C! Do you have any tricks that I might need to get this job done easier. I am getting ready to start this tomorrow.

thanks,

Eric

 

Eric,

This is the second one I put in. I followed the instructions in the Shop Manual. Yes you have to remove the Dash to access the Heater Plenum.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartrier