Coolant leak

I have had many fords/mercurys during my driving life, and just about everyone of those cars have had a coolant leak problem. My 96 Taurus, unfortunately, is no exception. It's leaking from the driver's side of the radiator, apparently from the draing petcock. I got under the car, and removed the under cover. I noticed wetness in the area of the drain, but no drips, so I started the engine to let the system build up some pressure, then shut the engine off. I waited...and waited...and waited. No leak!!!. Put the cover back on. Parked in the garage and left it alone. Next morning, the floor is wet again. Question: anybody's Taurus out there that likes to play this find-me-if-you-can leaking game like mine does? Thank you, and have a Merry Merry Christmas.

I have symptoms which are almost identical. I don't think the leak is in the draincock, but I suspect it is seeping between the endcap and the core and running down over the draincock. I dicovered this when I dried the area and observed a paper towel to find the source of the leak.

The leak seems to be worse overnight when the engine is cool. When the engine is warm, the leak stops. I have thought of having the radiator end re-crimped but this is not always successful so I may have to eventually replace the radiator. If there is another solution to repairing this type of leak, I would be interested.

I had the very same problem with my 94 taurus. I never found the leak but doing some research found that the seal between the core and the plastic ends sometimes goes bad.

I replaced the radiator and the problem was solved. It is a simple enough proceedure but if you have large hands like me you might want to enlist a person with small hands to help remove and install the transmission lines.

I think the transmission lines are easier to remove on the 1996 model than the 1994. There are 2 simple spring clamps that are easily accessed thought the lower left opening in the front bumper, right behind the plug for the block heater.