Started off slow, but now fluid leaks out of the front of the engine compartment (near radiator...2 streams), but only while running. Heater works when radiator is filled, so I don't think its the t'stat or heater core. The fan belt is wet when it gets hot. Will start to steam up before the gauge pegs to 'Hot', and it does. What is the most common problem for this year make and model for a coolant leak?
Hey Jim, sounds like the water pump may be leaking... I would take it a radiator shop and let them diagnose it... it will NOT get better... only leave you on the side of the road!!!
SOURCE: 97 f 150 runs hot for minutes then runs ok
It could be a faulty thermostat. Did it do the same thing before u replaced the t-stat? It sounds like it's sticking closed, then all of a sudden it opens, coolant flows correctly. I'd consider changing it again. Check to make sure parts store is giving u the correct temperature thermostat also. Maybe it's too high for your Ford, delaying the opening.
SOURCE: 2000 f150 ford coolant crossover problems 5.4 liter engine
sitting timimg chain on 2000 f150 5,4
SOURCE: 98 Expedition coolant leak top back of engin
Sorry im late with this,i couldnt seem to log on....The answer to your question is YES,there is a steel line under the intake with a short piece of rubber line attached to it and you can just about see it from the front of the intake with a light,it can leak and cause coolant to run off the back of the engine,The intake gasket set alone is about $40.00 and i dont know about the rubber line,i have seen it physically but havent changed one yet.Note the date of manufactor just incase,i bought an intake set for a 99 and the engine design was changed half way through...its not too hard to pull off the intake and re-install,you will need a 7mm socket for the coil packs,8mm socket for the fuel rail bolts and lower intake bolts and power steering bracket bolts and throttle bracket bolts,10mm socket for the intake bolts and alternator bolts and egr valve,and a large cresant wrench for the exhaust tube thats connected to the egr valve,flat screw driver for the air cleaner...and plenty of extensions with a swivel to be able to get to the back bolts of the intake....just incase you do it yourself this info could make it easier to gather tools.Its about a 3 1\2 to 4 hour job start to finish for the first time doing it,includes cleaning everything..Good luck
SOURCE: Coolant Problems
Hi there. It sounds like you have done the most obvious checks and I can assure you by-passing the heater core will have no effect. There are three possible causes that you need to investigate further and you will need specialist equipment for it - you either have a hair-line crack in the head or cylinder wall or it might be that the head bolts are stretched and therefore weakened and so need replacement. To help you identify these aforementioned possible problems, you might need a specialist fluid that you put into the cooling system which changes colour when combustion chamber pressure enters the cooling system, you need to contact your local Ford Dealer for this - but then you still have the three possible problems to deal with - cracked cylinder wall/s, cracked head or stretched head bolts. Hope this helps, Scottech.
SOURCE: Heater Core coolant flow 97 F250 Powerstroke
The one that comes out directly from the engine block
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