Hello All,

I have a 1999 ford Taurus 3.0L with approx. 80k - That is leaking anti-freeze on the front passenger side - just inside the front tire. I have crawled under the car, looked inside the hood and can't seem to find where the leak is coming from. Coolent level isn't low, heater still works fine. Any ideas. Leak was small at 1st (about 1-3 inch diameter) now getting much worse.

Any ideas? Help much appreciated.

Thanks - RCD

Hello All,

I have a 1999 ford Taurus 3.0L with approx. 80k - That is leaking anti-freeze on the front passenger side - just inside the front tire. I have crawled under the car, looked inside the hood and can't seem to find where the leak is coming from. Coolent level isn't low, heater still works fine. Any ideas. Leak was small at 1st (about 1-3 inch diameter) now getting much worse.

Any ideas? Help much appreciated.

Thanks - RCD

Does it leak worse right after you turn off the car? It is probably a crack in the coolant bottle. I've heard it's a common problem on these cars. Mine did the same thing and I couldnt' find it until a mechanic pressure tested the system. He said pressure is at its highest just after you shut off the car, which is why it was worse right then.

Yes it does happen right after turning off. What is your recomendation going forward. Should I have it pressure tested? How difficult is it to replace the coolant bottle and what is the est. cost?

Thanks,
RCD

Yes it does happen right after turning off. What is your recomendation going forward. Should I have it pressure tested? How difficult is it to replace the coolant bottle and what is the est. cost?

Thanks,
RCD

I found out the hard way when I was away from home. I think the shop I was at charged me $180 to replace the bottle. If I recall correctly, the bottle was only about $40. It should be pretty easy to replace, off hand I can only think of one hose off the front end of the bottle and then the mounting screws to the engine compartment.

Thanks for the prompt follow-up Medicmandan. I think I am going to replace the coolant bottle myself and see what happens. One last question - I should probably replace the cap as well - correct? Or maybe a new cap comes with a new coolant bottle.

Thanks,
RCD

Thanks for the prompt follow-up Medicmandan. I think I am going to replace the coolant bottle myself and see what happens. One last question - I should probably replace the cap as well - correct? Or maybe a new cap comes with a new coolant bottle.

Thanks,
RCD

I don't know if a cap comes with the bottle. Wouldn't hurt to replace it. They aren't very expensive.

Some chain auto parts stores rent specialty tools. See if you can rent the one for pressurizing the cooling system. Find where the leak is really coming from.

according to a mechanic I trust (work with the owners son), there is a hose that rubs against the frame on the passenger side. you might want to look for that as well.

I would not spend money for a new tank until I knew for SURE that is the problem. Follow KimG's excellent advice because they make a pressure tester you screw on the tank then pump it up to make it leak. I believe auto parts store sell a dye that you put in the coolant to make the leak more apparent.

New pressure caps are cheap and they wear out and you need 16 lbs of pressure on the cooling system. Get a new cap and drive it until it's hot and self-pressurized then look for the leak. Be careful and don't burn yourself and don't take the cap off while it's hot.

Just replaced mine.. Had many cracks in the tank.

Dorman part you need is
603-200 for the 3.0L 12 valve

603-201 for the 3.0L 24 valve
both come with a new Cap

Took about 20 min.

If it is the reserve tank then it's simple to replace. There are two bolts, two small hoses on the top, one medium size hose on the bottom, and a sensor that just clips on the bottom. I have a 1999 DHOC and I just took my tank out to do some power steering work. This is probably one of the easiest repair jobs you'll ever do. But make sure that’s what it is first.