Big Coolant Leak--for 10 mins in the am

[xeridad]

Hi--I'm a Ford newbie and new to the forum--didn't see my issue after searching for a while.

The other morning I plug my 94 F-250 7.3 IDI in the block heater for the first time, and within mins of my a.m. carpool drive (I start and stop a few times without turning off the engine) I notice a big coolant leak. Maybe a a cup of splashing drips right from the middle of the engine, around the starter. At the next stop (on my way to swap cars), the leak has slowed and all but stopped. Same thing the next day.

Took it to a diesel mechanic--he suspects the freeze plugs (there's some corrosion), but he couldn't get it to leak at all for him later in the day after my 30 mile or so drive.

I started it today, drive around the block, and it's certainly not the freeze plugs or the block heater. It coming from up higher. It's really diffuse by the time it gets to the driveway, dripping off all kinds of things. It looks like it's coming from, or at least going past the exhaust manifold (this is on the passenger side btw).

I just can't see in there well enough to see where it's starting. I'm worried it's a head gasket. (The oil on the dipstick and the coolant in the reservoir do do look normal).

Are there any other likely suspects or common issues that could cause something like this?

Thanks.

[icanfixall]

The front of the passenger head you will find a heater hose. That could be the leak or near the front passenger head is the thermostat housing and return hose to the radiator. Check for those places for the leak.

[94_turbo]

you need to find someone with a pressure tester for the cooling system--serious--my 96 was bugging me--after i pressured it--cold--i found the culprit----

[LMJD]

The other morning I plug my 94 F-250 7.3 IDI in the block heater for the first time, and within mins of my a.m......

For some unknown reason, myself and some other guys on here have found that the combination of cold winter temps and use of the block heater has a tendency to cause coolant seepage at various hose connections. I can go all year long with no leaks, but while I'm using the block heater I'll usually have to tighten my heater and rad hose clamps at least once during the cold season.

[arthurgoboom]

x2 for cold pressure test. System normal pressure is 13 psi. Don't feel bad going to 15-16 to test it.

[Snotzalot]

The ends of the heads of these engines can leak from the head gasket. Your symptom suggests this. (Leaks during warm up only) Start your engine cold and check the end of the head on the side that is leaking. If it is your head gasket, two choices, R&R the heads and new gaskets, OR 10 oz, Bars Stop Leak in the silver bottle.

If you add Bars Stop Leak your cooling system needs to be clean and you cannot use a coolant filter.

I've got over 400,000 miles on my engine and it had a leaking head gasket when I purchased it 10 years ago.

[cdnsarguy]

Check the waterpump too!!! there is a weep hole behind the pulley ....... when it weeps there it spreads all over the lower engine and down the side. 2nd the pressure test!!!!

[xeridad]

Originally Posted by LMJD

...the combination of cold winter temps and use of the block heater has a tendency to cause coolant seepage at various hose connections.

Well count me in here. I feel a little silly but after a couple of hours over two days I found the only leak I could--a thin little stream of coolant behind the top radiator hose. I can't believe it was making such a mess under the truck with no volcanic splatter where it was actually leaking out. I simply tightened the clamp (and a few others). I have used the heater again over the past few days...no leak! Phew!

Thanks to all who posted, I got great advice and lot's of good leads.

[Snotzalot]

Rat's! I thought we had another Bars convert.....................