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

LOGAN SILVERS

MEMBER
1998 FORD F-150
4.6L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
189,000 MILES

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?

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

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

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:14 AM

LOGAN SILVERS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

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.

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:14 AM

KASEKENNY

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

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 11:14 AM