Sporadic coolant leak

[JSIL1]

I know I have been posting a lot about coolant leaks recently and well, it seems as though the second I fix one another comes to light. So...here we go;

When I come to a stop after some spirited driving I get a large quantity of smoke/steam from the hood. I can get rid of it by turning on the heater. I have NO low coolant light like I used to when I had a cracked reservoir or the leaky radiator.

In my searches I have read that the plastic end caps of the radiator have been know to weep but this is an all out billowing. I have also read about the oil filter cooler lines. And am considering this a possibility.

My question is based around the fact that every time I have had a leak my Coolant Light comes on. I have yet to see a mere flicker from it.

Any thoughts or troubleshooting suggestions?

Thanks a million

Josh

 

[tqmx1]

I changed out my cooler hoses about 9 months ago after one blew. It has not lost a drop of coolent since. They are kind of a bitch to get to but well worth the time.

Kim
EB. with 172.mi.

 

[SHOZ123]

Usually the coolant tanks only leak when the engine is cold. As the radiator heats up it expands and seals the tanks.

I'll second the oil cooler lines.

 

[JSIL1]

Paul. When you say coolant tanks we are talking the radiator end caps correct? And how would I go about removing them, I dont exactly have little hands. I read in an older thread that not only are these a PIA to remove but I also need to get aftermarket hose as Ford no longer makes these hoses?

BTW.... I have put in emails to several companies that make custom silicone hoses. I am waiting to hear back on if any of them would be willing to accept this challenge.

 

[SHOZ123]

Yes the plastic tanks on the end. Just as with the V6 radiators the retaining tabs can be crimp a bit with a vise grips. But you have to take the radiator out to do that. I would and did do that to the new one I put in. New radiators are about $125.

I got new Motorcraft hoses from www.rockauto.com last year.

 

[tqmx1]

The cooler hoses are for the most part straght, I just got some 1/2" heater hose at a parts store 1.5' should cover it.

Also it makes life simpler to remove the oil filter and the plastic trim cover to get to the waterpump line.

Fix the cooler, If it still seeps when cold then worry about the radiator.

When my hose started to go bad I thought I had coolant leaks out of everywhere, That is until the hose BLEW!! Thank god it was in the driveway.

Kim

 

[JSIL1]

Here is another noodle scratcher. The coolant light came on when I started the car. ~24 degrees out. It does not come on if the car or outside is warm but will if **** has frozen over.

 

[SHOZ123]

Almost all the hoses, except the larger radaitor hoses, can be replaced with generic hose.

The low coolant switch is a POS. The best thing to do with it is unplug it if it is unreliable.