1995 Ford F-150 Mysterious Cooling Leak

TRASHYSQUID

MEMBER
1995 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
82,300 MILES

Hey guys,

I'm fixin' to replace the truck's radiator this weekend because of a leak that was identified via a pressure test that was done when I took the truck in to service the A/C (I just bought the truck recently). Problem is that there is coolant leaking from a place other than the right side of the radiator like the mechanic said. There is coolant all along the front part of the oil pan right where the oil filter is, and there is also some coolant right behind where the water pump is attached (looking at it from underneath). Not sure what's right behind the water pump. Any ideas where this leak could be coming from? Lastly, the coolant is pooling up on the ground behind the arms connecting the front wheels, rolling down a metal guard the goes halfway down the oil pan, front to rear. Thanks.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I'll see if I can find any diagrams or better info. The radiator leak, might better expose the other leak as ther will be better pressure perhaps. IS there any access to the leaking area with a small telescopic mirror and lights?

Is this a 5.0 or a 5.8 motor?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 8:48 PM

TRASHYSQUID

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Service Writer,

This is a 302. I could probably get up in there to take a better look through the hole provided for oil filter access. Also, it doesn't look like the cylinder head cover gaskets are leaking either. No visible leaks at all when looking at the engine from the top, actually.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 8:56 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I haven't found anything worthwhile yet for a better pic. Things I would do is use good lighting, compressed air blower to blow away coolant to see it return, a small mirror. You may need to remove some things to get a better view. Don't forget about a rotted freeze plug or the water pump by pass hose.

Look carefuly at the timing cover gasket. I think the coolant erodes away some of the cover on them.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+4

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 9:05 PM

TRASHYSQUID

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks. I'll post again once I pull the radiator. While I'm there, I think I'll go ahead and replace the water pump too because it looks like it's still the stock one. Once that's off, maybe I can get a better look.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 9:18 PM

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

AS I was reading your post, the first instinct that I had was the timing cover/gasket. They are notorious for leaking between the cover and the block. Then the coolant runs down the edge of the oil pan and onto the front undercarraige. From there it goes everywhere. I would agree with Servicewriters last post. Check teh front cover and gasket. You may want to prepare yourself for a fight getting it off also. The long bolts that go through the pump and cover can break.