Coolant loss?

Tiny
SAM MUSSELMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD F-450
  • 6.8L
  • V10
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 194,324 MILES
I noticed my coolant in the overflow has gone down just slightly over the last 2 days. I do have some thin white smoke coming out of the tail pipe but after 20 minutes of idling, exhaust fumes are clear. No milky oil, no air bubbles in the overflow, and engine seems to drive normal with no miss or noise. Is it possible that I have a blown head gasket?
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 AT 2:40 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi Sam,

Based on your description, I would say no to a head gasket concern. Have you checked to see if there are any leaks? Also, if you refill the coolant, does it go down again?

Here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Another thing you may want to consider is pressure testing the system to see if the pressure drops. Additionally, when pressurized, often the leak will occur to help locate it.

You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know if this helps. Also, if you have other questions, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
SAM MUSSELMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Coolant levels are good. I did have coolant system pressure tested and have no leaks. I did have an overflow cap replaced sometime back but coolant system seems to be good. I do have a broken air vent nipple on the driver's side that is supposed to be on top of the valve cover, part of the PCV system and I think that has been contributing to white smoke. I will be replacing that, so I hope that fixes it.
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Thursday, October 6th, 2022 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that the coolant doesn't get low leads me to believe the cooling system isn't the issue. If you have a large leak at the PCV, that would cause a rough idle and stall in most cases. Is the engine running properly?

Joe
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Friday, October 7th, 2022 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
SAM MUSSELMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
The engine runs good, smooth at idle and while driving. I ran the truck for a little while today and drove it some and no white smoke. I thought the white smoke was due to an improper air/fuel mixture but I'm not sure. Any other ideas of what it could be?
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Friday, October 7th, 2022 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, the air/fuel mixture can create white smoke.

It sounds like you have resolved the issues. If anything changes or if you have other questions, let me know. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, October 7th, 2022 AT 9:13 PM

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