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Coolant leak - please help diagnose

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Old Mar 13, 2012 | 08:56 PM
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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!



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Old Mar 13, 2012 | 10:04 PM
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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.
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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 05:08 AM
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check the large coolant hose going into the block, I remember something about a TSB for something rubbing a hole in it
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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 08:36 AM
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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..
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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 08:59 AM
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Blow corn starch or baby powder around the most likely culprits. It will turn dark when wet, and help chase down the leak.
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Old Mar 15, 2012 | 07:44 PM
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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.
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Old Mar 18, 2012 | 09:33 PM
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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!
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Old Mar 18, 2012 | 09:55 PM
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Yes, pretty much all of it needs to come out. Prob time to flush/change fluid anyway.
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Old Mar 18, 2012 | 10:07 PM
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I concur.
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 04:11 AM
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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.
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 11:20 AM
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While doing the water pump check the belt tensioner too. Sometimes they weaken over time. Good time to do preventative maintenance.
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Old Mar 23, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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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.
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Old Dec 14, 2012 | 12:46 PM
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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?
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Old Dec 14, 2012 | 12:51 PM
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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..
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Old Dec 14, 2012 | 01:03 PM
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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
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