2001 Windstar Coolant Leak
JCWindstar
03-07-2010, 05:22 PM
3.8 liter with 129,000 miles has an intermittent coolant leak. 22,000 miles ago the lower intake manifold gasket was replaced (used Fel-Pro gaskets) and 3,000 miles ago the water pump was replaced (used liquid teflon on the bolt threads to seal the bolts - manual mentioned the need to put thread sealant on some of the bolts). Currently I can smell antifreeze and once in a while I will see a small pool of antifreeze under the engine (front cylinder bank next to the transmission housing -- there is a slight oil residue on the end of the cylinder block in this area, does not smell like antifreeze). The leak appears to be worsening but is not consistent, however the smell of anitifreeze is constant. Today I noticed moisture on the oil cap (small amount of milky residue).
Visual inspection of the cylinder heads and block shows no outward indications of any leaks of coolant or oil (except what is mentioned above). Note that I keep my engine VERY clean.
The engine idles and runs fine and there are no codes.
Need opinion on whether this issue is:
1. Lower intake manifold gasket (again)
2. Head gasket
4. Sealant on bolts for water pump
3. Other (suggest with method of diagnoses)
Visual inspection of the cylinder heads and block shows no outward indications of any leaks of coolant or oil (except what is mentioned above). Note that I keep my engine VERY clean.
The engine idles and runs fine and there are no codes.
Need opinion on whether this issue is:
1. Lower intake manifold gasket (again)
2. Head gasket
4. Sealant on bolts for water pump
3. Other (suggest with method of diagnoses)
northern piper
03-07-2010, 06:22 PM
have you tried a pressure test? I purchased a test kit with all the adapters, cleaned the engine everywhere and tested. Found my leaks pretty easily. It's tough to find these small leaks without actually seeing coolant leave. I'd be doing a pressure test myself before doing anything else.
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