3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007 5.9 liter Engine and drivetrain discussion only. PLEASE, NO HIGH PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION!

Coolant leak - please help diagnose

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-13-2012, 08:56 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
adamkn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Coolant leak - please help diagnose

I recently noticed a small puddle forming under my truck. The puddle is directly under the AC compressor / the front passenger-side corner of the engine block.

I got under the truck and snapped a couple pictures looking strait up. The pictures show where the drip is coming from - off of the mounting bracket for the AC compressor. Based on the color (reddish/orange) and smell, I am pretty certain that is is coolant. However, I cannot find the source of the leak. I've checked the main coolant hoses to & from the radiator, and there doesn't seem to be a leak at those locations.

If anyone has dealt with a similar leak, please let me know what your experience was - where the leak was coming from, and how it was fixed.

I think there might be a coolant hose that's located under the alternator - but above the AC compressor. So it's a really tight space, and I can't really see it well or reach it. I'd probably have to remove the alternator. I'll do that if necessary, but wanted to check in here first.

Thanks for any input!



Old 03-13-2012, 10:04 PM
  #2  
Always a day late, and a dollar short.
 
06RAM2500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Baker, MT
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Either the water pump, or you need to re-torque two hose clamps. There is a small, foil wrapped hose kinda between the turbo and the block.
Old 03-14-2012, 05:08 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
quicksilvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
check the large coolant hose going into the block, I remember something about a TSB for something rubbing a hole in it
Old 03-14-2012, 08:36 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
JP-4.5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would look close at the water pump. My 04 was similar when water pump failed.. If it is water pump they are very easy to change..
Old 03-14-2012, 08:59 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
.boB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Blow corn starch or baby powder around the most likely culprits. It will turn dark when wet, and help chase down the leak.
Old 03-15-2012, 07:44 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
adamkn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. I'll be working on this over the weekend, and I'll check everything that has been suggested so far.
Old 03-18-2012, 09:33 PM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
adamkn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I shined a flashlight on the water pump - and sure enough, it appears to be leaking.

Do I have to drain all of the coolant in order to replace the pump?

Thanks!
Old 03-18-2012, 09:55 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
roughstock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, pretty much all of it needs to come out. Prob time to flush/change fluid anyway.
Old 03-18-2012, 10:07 PM
  #9  
Always a day late, and a dollar short.
 
06RAM2500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Baker, MT
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I concur.
Old 03-19-2012, 04:11 AM
  #10  
Registered User
 
JP-4.5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I chose to flush/change while replacing wterpump. Was a little earlier than schedule but was easy enough to do while replacing waterpump. Time to check your belt also as you will need to at least remove this from the tensioner and pump. No need to replace but a good time to take a look at it.
Old 03-19-2012, 11:20 AM
  #11  
Top's Younger Twin
 
Scotty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Thanks Don M!
Posts: 3,743
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes on 19 Posts
While doing the water pump check the belt tensioner too. Sometimes they weaken over time. Good time to do preventative maintenance.
Old 03-23-2012, 12:16 PM
  #12  
Registered User
 
railroaderone's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bluefield WV
Posts: 811
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
What am I missing

Originally Posted by JP-4.5
I would look close at the water pump. My 04 was similar when water pump failed.. If it is water pump they are very easy to change..
I must be doing something wrong im in the middle of changing mine and its kicking my behind.
Old 12-14-2012, 12:46 PM
  #13  
Registered User
 
fatpete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anybody else have the foil wrapped hose with the hose clamps leak intermittantly? I retorque every year but it still leaks this time of year as it gets colder. Today was the worst ever, after having block heater plugged in last night, there was a 12" diameter puddle when i came out this morning. Any help for a permanent fix?
Old 12-14-2012, 12:51 PM
  #14  
Registered User
 
JP-4.5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What hose? Is it one of the ones that goes to the heater core?

My 1st thought is to change the hose. Is it dried up and cracking? Maybe something is just wrong with that piece of hose.
I have never had my truck leak like that.. Had a leak after I modified one of the coolant pipes to put my Compounds on but that was my fault..
Old 12-14-2012, 01:03 PM
  #15  
Registered User
 
fatpete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just found the answer on another thread- there's an upgraded hose and spring hoseclamps that will fix.
Thanks JP-4.5
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t=coolant+leak


Quick Reply: Coolant leak - please help diagnose



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:08 AM.