Water drainage

2003 FORD EXPLORER
200,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KHADIJAH1312
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have to put water in my truck everyday. But there is no sign of water when I park. And my coolant levels don’t read that it’s overheated, but the truck with start to not want to pick up speed and slow itself down when I push the gas pedal.
Nov 2, 2019 at 9:00 PM
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MASTERWRENCH
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 258 POSTS
If your coolant level is dropping to the point where you have to regularly refill the reservoir, it's either leaking externally or being burned up in the engine. If you're certain there are no external leaks, then the most likely cause of the issue is a failed head gasket and or warped cylinder head. The best way to test the cooling system is by use of a cooling system pressure tester. This tool can be purchased online or at most automotive parts stores. There also may be an auto parts store nearby that will loan you this tool. Take a look at the article below for specifics on how to perform this test.

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

Let us know what you find!
Nov 3, 2019 at 2:46 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
Do you have any smoke from the exhaust? Specifically white smoke?

I suspect you are loosing coolant into the combustion chamber so we need to test compression and go from there or pressure check the cooling system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression
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Nov 3, 2019 at 2:54 PM