Coolant Leak / Heating Problems

[expeditionstig]

So I was looking at the maintenance records. (bought this rig from my folks)

Looks like in 2008 they took the truck to the dealership for the same leak out of the top of the radiator/hose connection and possibly bad heat. In 2008 they replaced the radiator, tstat, top and lower radiator hoses, and coolant. I can barely read it, but also possible the front and rear heater hoses. So they would make all of the above 8 years old. I noticed the radiator has a spectre part number on it for the 2 core. Maybe it's time to replace a couple things, or at least the tstat.

 

[stamp11127]

If the radiator is cracked at the top hose connection I can see replacing it. It may also be a wimpy hose clamp that is causing the leak. If the radiator isn't clogged I wouldn't replace it until it has a proven leak. Replace the hoses if they are soft or cracked on the surface.

 

[expeditionstig]

I replaced the top hose and clamp recently. Might just have to bite the bullet and take the thing into get diagnosed. Living in an apartment makes it tough to work on this thing.

 

[expeditionstig]

Well I figured out the front heat issue... and this is silly...

Not enough coolant! lol.. Every time I checked it cold it was at the full line, then one day it was super low. Threw about a gallon in there and the heat came back a little... Checked it the next day and it was still low, threw some more coolant in and now my heat is pretty decent.

I find it strange that with low coolant my back heater worked great and my front heater was cold. weird.

Tip of the day - Always check the basics!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Well I figured out the front heat issue... and this is silly...

Not enough coolant! lol.. Every time I checked it cold it was at the full line, then one day it was super low. Threw about a gallon in there and the heat came back a little... Checked it the next day and it was still low, threw some more coolant in and now my heat is pretty decent.

I find it strange that with low coolant my back heater worked great and my front heater was cold. weird.

Tip of the day - Always check the basics!

Keep an eye on it... Losing a gallon of coolant is not normal. I'm not sure if there was something in the system you previously fixed or not that would have otherwise stopped the coolant leak (too lazy to read the remainder of the thread) but if not, it is all leaking somewhere...

 

[expeditionstig]

Yeah it's leaking at the top radiator hose. Pressure is building up and coolant is squeezing under the band clamps. Would leave puddles everywhere I go... Going to do a leak test to see if I have a blown head gasket.. but it runs great!