Coolant leak, over heating, and no heat

[EZ56]

I sprung a coolant leak somewhere around the throttle body a few weeks ago but I am having a lot of trouble pinpointing it. Ive noticed that the coil pack and plug wire ends are soaked in coolant whenever i look after a drive. Now, the car has been on the verge of overheating, performing a little poor and the heat doesn't work. Anyone have any suggestions where to start? I need to get this taken care of ASAP seeing as the car is my DD. Thanks in advance!

 

[kevinspann]

It's probably leaking from the coolant lines that go to the throttle body. You can bypass it with whichever line isn't leaking (loop it back to the engine).

 

[Irish Pride]

Have you been adding more coolant to it or just letting it leak out? Its getting hot and the heat isnt working because it doesnt have enough coolant and with the leak it cant pressurize properly. Top the coolant off and start the car and let it idle. Get in there close with a very bright flash light. Once it starts to circulate(operating temperture) you should be able to pin point the leak. There are several places it could leak leak from in the area. Once it starts just follow where the stream is coming from.

 

[rubydist]

no heat means there is not enough coolant in the system to circulate into the heater core.

it also means you are dangerously close to serious damage to the engine by overheating it.

 

[EZ56]

There is plenty of coolant in the system, I always keep the tank full. Is it possible there is a clog somewhere? I noticed some serious corosion on one of the clamps holding one of the lines running to the throttle body. I'll replace it and see where that gets me

 

[Fordlover96]

I would also like to say, look around the where the water outlet meets the top of the engine (where the thermostat is located.) I recently changed the thermostat and had a a little problem with a leak coming from that area, and yes i replaced the seal. Haha

 

[rubydist]

keeping "the tank full" does not mean you have plenty of coolant in the system.

if there is a bunch of air in it, like it sounds like there is, the system will not always pull coolant from the overflow tank into the radiator.

of course, it is also possible that you have a clog or restriction in the heater circuit.

it sounds to me like you need a pressure test.

 

[EZ56]

Well, I changed out the thermostat and I still have the same problem. It takes a little longer to get hot but still gets hot after about 5-10 minutes of normal driving. I'm really confused here. Maybe there's air in the lines? Just a note, I'm not throwing any codes if that matters

 

[mrecoolgar]

When engine is cold, remove the radiator pressure cap.
Run engine and massage the lower radiator hose.
This should burp the system and remove any trapped air.
Watch the temp gage as it will fall suddenly when the air is removed.
Another technique is to run thru the gears to redline.
This will also burp the system.
Be carefull not to run the car too hot.

 

[EZ56]

I'll definitely give it a try, I'm open to anything at this point