Thinking about fixing my coolant leak old school. Is this ok?

[98EXPY 5-0]

Coolant leak somewhere near the passenger side firewall. Assuming I can rule out that nipple on the line that goes in the intake manifold valley, I assume it's probably where the quick connects attach to the heater core lines? Is it possible for the T-fittings to leak that split off for the rear heater?

I looked up the replacement hose set ups, and it looks like they don't come with the quick connects or the metal crimping. So I assume that I would have to use a worm gear hose clamp to attach the quick connects?

If that's the case, can I save myself from buying $120 in pre-made OEM style hose kits and just buy 10ft of hose, two t-fittings, and a bunch of hose clamps and just build the same set up for $30 and just clamp it all together?

Also, I read about the flow restrictor that keeps the heater core from blowing out under WOT. I guess I better find that and reuse it as well.

 

[districk81]

I have a 2000 EB and finally got it on the road yesterday. its been sitting for 2 years. i did a air to coil spring swap. it rides great the problem is the first time i stopped after about 25 miles i noticed smoke coming from the engine and then smelled engine coolant. after further inspection i found the leak it is in the very front of the engine on the left (passenger) side there on the intake it looks like the front part of it, its metal not plastic i think its aluminum, any way its the only part of the intake that is metal and its up there in the very front. The right hand side is were the thermostat is located then it goes back behind the the alternator and the alt is actually bolted to it then it goes over to the left hand side and underneath there is were it is spitting out water. the valley is full of water and the fan is blowing water all over every thing on the left hand side. its not real bad like i could still drive it i just stopped every 7 to 10 miles and added water. it never over heated and it never took more than about half a gallon to refill the reservoir. like i said its been sitting for about two years because of the suspension so i just got it and i've never had a ford before. when i first found the leak i was like what the h#$% were is the radiator cap. needless to say i never found it. lol!!! I've talked to a couple guys at some local shops and all tell me that these triton engines with the plastic intakes are notorious for cracking and springing leaks. i thought it was a gasket they said wishful thinking its probably cracked either way its gotta come off. it looks like a h$%R of a job. has anyone else ever had this problem and could they please give me some pointers on it. Also i heard dorman has a good replacement intake and not to buy some pos off of ebay b/c they're trash. im working with a really limited budget so can't i just go get one from a pick a part.

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

Just going by your description, it sounds like the backside of the water pump. There is a line that runs from the back of the water pump through the intake valley then makes a left turn towards the heater core.

This outlet is right behind the alternator. So you may be able to pull that off and get lucky and find the leak.

 

[Expyguru]

Coolant leak somewhere near the passenger side firewall. Assuming I can rule out that nipple on the line that goes in the intake manifold valley, I assume it's probably where the quick connects attach to the heater core lines? Is it possible for the T-fittings to leak that split off for the rear heater?

I looked up the replacement hose set ups, and it looks like they don't come with the quick connects or the metal crimping. So I assume that I would have to use a worm gear hose clamp to attach the quick connects?

If that's the case, can I save myself from buying $120 in pre-made OEM style hose kits and just buy 10ft of hose, two t-fittings, and a bunch of hose clamps and just build the same set up for $30 and just clamp it all together?

Also, I read about the flow restrictor that keeps the heater core from blowing out under WOT. I guess I better find that and reuse it as well.

I thought about that as well until u see all the bends in the hose, any 5/8 hose will kink up trying to make one. just get them off ebay and save some money. I picked up both for 78$

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

I thought about that as well until u see all the bends in the hose, any 5/8 hose will kink up trying to make one. just get them off ebay and save some money. I picked up both for 78$

The only awkward bend I have is the line that comes off off the front of the motor. The rest are just fine.