I noticed that I had a small wet spot under the front end. Got down and looked up to see coolant getting ready to drip from multiple places.

It seems like there is a thick gooey coolant running down the bottom of the top hose. From there it seems as if it gets sprayed around the inside by all the pulleys and the belt. I drove to Lowes to get it up to temp and when I got home there was new (less sludgy) coolant along the bottom of a hot and pressurized hose.

Could the hose be the issue?

 

Update: The hose is still hot but cool enough to squeeze on. I notice that it makes a distinct noise at the top junction. Like when bubbles move.

 

check the over flow hose on the top left side by rad cap, I had to put a small zip tie on it as it did leak a bit there. good luck

 

Upon further review. I replaced the upper hose (easy and cheap) got it up to operating temp and fluid still everywhere and transmission warming up too quick. My new guess is water pump is not pumping and the tranny is heating up because the heat transfer thing on the side of the block (I know I have seen it somewhere). I will take any guesses anyone has.

 

You may have air in the system now after changing the upper hose out. Let the engine cool down or wait until tomorrow morning then open the radiator cap. Add some diluted HOAT formulated coolant to the radiator and the overflow tank.

The leakage as you explained it sounds like the water pump is leaking at the weep hole. Take a look at the weep hole in the water pump body. You may find it leaking coolant. You should rinse
off the coolant that splashed the engine prior to checking for leaks.

That heat transfer thing you mention is the thermostat, which is located under the housing that the upper hose connects to. It has three bolts holding it down. However; The air as I mentioned is likely contributing to the heating/cooling issues. I don't believe it to be thermostat related yet!

 

If you stand in front of the vehicle, the weep hole
is located on the left side of the pump. Look at the water pump housing bolt on the left. It is located on the housing approximately 2" from that bolt. You can find it with an inspection mirror if you have one handy. The weep hole tends to leak signaling that the water pump is failing and due for replacement. this leakage will cause the splashing pattern you mention.

 

If you have air in the system the thread below will help you bleed it quickly. Start the truck, turn the heater on and set the temperature control to high, wait 30 seconds. Then shut the truck off and proceed to post #3.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...4.5+water+pump

 

I didn't think about the air I introduced that is a good point I will look in to tomorrow. The oil to water cooler (better phrase than heat transfer thing) is on all diesels on the side of the block, according to my shop manual. I was wondering in that little incoherent ramble of mine, whether the too hot water issue was creating a too hot trans fluid issue.