Any tips on this leak's location?

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Ghaleon64

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Just noticed a small coolant leak a few days ago. Fan runs a lot and fluid level is low, though thermostat needle is still stable. Also noticed these stains near the intake and was wondering if anyone had any guesses as to where the leak may be? It almost looks like it's right under the cap here but the cap is tight and well sealed... Maybe the gasket just behind the cap? Also... Any ideas on ease of fix and/or cost? :P

Much obliged friends!
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Do the fan blades have similar water marks on them? Looks a little like mine did when the radiator developed a leak, just not as spread out. But it does appear to me that the water may be getting blown back.

I suggest that you check around the radiator for leaks. Could be hard to see, might even be a small crack like this.

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If it is a leak in the radiator, then it may not be in the same location, since your water marks are more centered.
 
Hmm, after a closer look at the pattern of the marks I am not so sure that they are being blown back. Either way, look close at all the plastic parts. Maybe run it at operating temp and see if you can see it seeping anywhere.
 
Wipe off the water marks, and start again. Check where they develop first. Those drops could be thrown from another location.
 
Well, I found the leak... There is a nice long crack in that plastic piece there that all the hoses fit into, the one attached to the cap there... I rigged it with some heavy duty epoxy and test drove it and the epoxy held... I just worry about how long this fix will last. Temporary for sure. But now that I know I need to replace that whole plastic assembly, anyone have any idea how much this will be?
 
Ghaleon64 said:
Well, I found the leak... There is a nice long crack in that plastic piece there that all the hoses fit into, the one attached to the cap there... I rigged it with some heavy duty epoxy and test drove it and the epoxy held... I just worry about how long this fix will last. Temporary for sure. But now that I know I need to replace that whole plastic assembly, anyone have any idea how much this will be?
Click to expand...

It's not one part, but many!
Parts... $300+/- ordered online. I used Ford Parts Giant and Tasca Auto Parts.

There are several good lists for all the parts necessary. Replace all "plastic" cooling parts and the rubber hoses. There are many great posts and several u-tube videos. Usually takes a weekend.
There are two methods to removing the Plastic Elbow or Neck (part number 2W9Z-9N499-AC which bolts to the block and connects to the Main Plastic Body or Water Outlet to which mounts the T-Stat Housing). Either remove the intake manifold or cut off the back two bolts. The procedures are well described in other posts.

If, you choose to leave the intake manifold and use the "cut the back bolts" approach, order two extra bolts (W500014-S426), the same bolts attach the T-Stat Housing to the Main Plastic Body (Water Outlet). These bolts are shorter than the original and just the right size to slip in under the Intake Manifold.

Again, simple to accomplish, just takes some time and care not to damage the various parts being removed and reinstalled.
 
Excellent fellas, thanks much! 9n499, that's the bad piece... Problem is, my next few weekends are pretty well booked so I might have to cave and take her in for this one... :(
 
Make sure u properly bleed the system after replacing/removing/etc. any cooling component. Tech articles section above has the procedure.
 
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