Behind the engine I saw steam and then coolant spilling.
CARLOS J HERRERA
MEMBER
1984 FORD F-150
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES
I started the truck and behind the engine I saw steam and then coolant spilling.
Friday, January 6th, 2017 AT 7:02 PM
6 Replies
CARADIODOC
MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS
What is the question? Could be a leaking heater core, heater hose, core plug, etc. If that steam showed up right away, before the engine warmed up, coolant leaking onto hot exhaust system parts is a good possibility. If you find it leaking from a short rubber hose hanging down on the passenger side of the firewall, under the hood, suspect a leaking heater core.
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:15 AM
CARLOS J HERRERA
MEMBER
4 POSTS
As soon as I started the truck the steam was coming like from the upper center area on the back of the engine then I saw coolant dripping fast. Is that going to be difficult to repair.
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:15 AM
CARADIODOC
MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS
There is no way I can tell what is wrong. A heater hose takes a few minutes to replace. A heater core can take all day. If a core plug is leaking at the rear of the engine, the transmission may need to be removed to get to it. The first step is to determine where the coolant is leaking from. Post a photo of it if possible.
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:15 AM
CARLOS J HERRERA
MEMBER
4 POSTS
Okay, I will post the picture in the morning. Thank you for the quick response.
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:15 AM
CARLOS J HERRERA
MEMBER
4 POSTS
This is where everything is happening. Is this just a hose I can screw on or I have to buy the whole piece?
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:15 AM
CARADIODOC
MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS
That looks more like an emissions pipe that's part of the exhaust system. Your best bet is to visit the dealer's parts department. They will help you identify the part on a drawing on their computer system. If they can't tell you what is commonly replaced, they will run into the shop and grab a mechanic who is familiar with it.