HELP Leaking Coolant

[machsv103]

Hey Guys, so I was driving home yesterday and and the Engine Temp Light came on. I checked the coolant level and it was low so I filled it up and its all just leaking out. It seems to be leaking directly below the reservoir tank. Do you think its just a bad hose, what is below the reservoir tank because you cant see anything down there because there is so little room? How hard is it to take that tank out. Has this ever happened to anyone? Should i take it to the shop or should I try it myself? Thanks Guys

 

[pektel]

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/search.php?

 

[joegr]

It's the degas bottle ("reservoir tank") itself that is cracked. It's a very common issue (hence the search suggestion). The replacement bottle from Ford comes with the lower hose attached.
If you search, there are good instructions posted on how to replace it (it's not that hard), and on how to correctly bleed the cooling system (very important step).

 

[machsv103]

Thanks Joegr, I really appreciate it.

 

[pektel]

doh. I forgot to come back and edit my post. I was going to add the helpful info of what to search for (that the part he's looking for is the degas bottle).

 

[machsv103]

Ok, thanks guys, im going to try to get the tank out tonight and check it out. I assume its pretty easy to bleed the system too right?? PS I am doing searchs but I get the same 15 results each time and have to keep going through all of them.

 

[pektel]

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=60705&highlight=degas+bottle

 

[joegr]

Ok, thanks guys, im going to try to get the tank out tonight and check it out. I assume its pretty easy to bleed the system too right?? PS I am doing searchs but I get the same 15 results each time and have to keep going through all of them.

What year is your LS? V6 or V8? The bleed procedures are very similar for both generations, but they do vary a little bit.

 

[machsv103]

I have an 06 V8. Thanks guys

 

[joegr]

Here's the procedure to remove and reinstall the degas bottle.
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x33014.htm~gen~ref.htm

I don't like step 5. I found that it is easier to not disconnect the bottom hose from the degas bottle. Instead disconnect it at the other end. The other end is connected to a metal tube just to the left of the brake vacuum booster.

Here's the bleed procedure.
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x33004.htm~gen~ref.htm#extract_142

 

[machsv103]

joegr, I owe you a beer when this is all done. thanks a ton

 

[machsv103]

Well guys, Thanks for all your help. I got home from work yesterday and pulled everything apart. I made sure I found where the leak was (bottom of the degas tank) and then I couldnt get the stupid thing out. The clamp on the hose on the bottom of the tank was being a ***** to get off, plus i have big hands so I just took it down the street to the shop and am having them do it today. Now hopefully all i have to do is bleed it and Im good to go. Thanks again.

 

[1LoudLS]

Now hopefully all i have to do is bleed it and Im good to go.

if they are replacing the bottle, then they should be doing the bleeding as it is a necessary step in the replacement of the bottle.

 

[machsv103]

Well, i just dropped it off on my way to work and said just to place the bottle and I could take care of the rest. I assume they will but I will let them know again when they call. Thanks