My truck is somehow leaking coolant and can’t find out where at!

1998 FORD F-150
189,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • MANUAL
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LOGAN SILVERS
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my truck is somehow leaking coolant and can’t find out where at! can't see any signs on motor or anywhere around. heat works great and can’t smell antifreeze through vents so i know heater core is good, but can’t figure out why it’s using antifreeze. just changed the oil in it and none in there also. anyone have any advice??
Nov 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Clearly we need to start with external leaks and heater core leaks. If they are not leaking then we need to prove out a head gasket leak. I understand there is no coolant in the oil but it may still be the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

Also, how much coolant are you losing? How often are you filling the coolant and how much?

Let's test the head gasket and go from there. Thanks
May 7, 2021 at 4:14 AM
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LOGAN SILVERS
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i have to fill it up every weekend and i drive it 5 or 6 days out of the week. i saw some what seemed to be water dripping from somewhere on the motor on the ground. it isn’t anywhere in top of the motor. it doesn’t have a smell to it.
May 7, 2021 at 4:14 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
If you are topping it off with coolant and not just water then that is probably the condensation off the AC unit and not coolant. Coolant is slimy to the touch and has a sweet smell. Is there any white smoke?

Either way, I think we need to test the head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test
May 7, 2021 at 4:14 AM
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