[rforsythe]

[Preface: This is the first time I have had a shop-worthy issue on the truck, it's been rock solid otherwise.]

Starting about two months ago, I noticed a very intermittent coolant smell. It came and went sporadically enough that I didn't immediately know if it was even my truck. More recently though the smell has become constant when standing outside of the truck. I looked underneath and discovered where a nice stream of coolant was coming down, and appears to be sourcing from the front of the primary water pump. I topped off the degas tank today and it took a half gallon to get it back to the top of the cold fill range.

I would say the leak has accellerated a bit, but a half gallon in two months isn't "park the truck" worthy to me. I have an appt next week to get the problem fixed under warranty, but also have some mountain towing and recreation planned this weekend.

Is this type of failure the sort of thing where it can get worse in a hurry, or should I generally expect it to stay roughly the same until it gets into the shop? The current rate of leakage is something I can mitigate, but also don't want to get stranded with a trailer (or up a forest road) if this is really a precursor to a sudden massive seal failure or something. It isn't like the pump takes more strain from towing, though it would see some higher temps in general.

Truck is a 2013 6.7L, 37k miles.

 

[badbart]

What can happen next is the water pump bearing will disintegrate causing that pulley to lock up and destroy the serpentine belt. At that point you will need to call a wrecker.

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

Be ridin a bear back to town

 

[PerryB]

What can happen next is the water pump bearing will disintegrate causing that pulley to lock up and destroy the serpentine belt. At that point you will need to call a wrecker.

^^ This ^^ -- OR, the seal fails rapidly and the engine gets critically hot. I would get the pump replaced right away.

 

[Egwilly]

I tend to look at these kind of events/issues as I was given a warning sign before total failure to correct it. You don't want to take chances with the cooling system. Been there, done that sort of thing! :icon_wink:

 

[FordService]

...I would say the leak has accellerated a bit, but a half gallon in two months isn't "park the truck" worthy to me. I have an appt next week to get the problem fixed under warranty...

I'm glad you'll be getting this into the hands of your dealership, rforsythe; I'm sure they'll take great care of you. If you need my assistance after you receive a diagnosis, just say the word. :thumbsup:

Crystal

 

[SD18]

I tend to be on the Conservative side, when it comes to cars/trucks. I would take it in before it gets any worse?
Best of luck,
Scott

 

[bigblzr94]

Can you still make a fist with a broken finger? Yes but is hurts. That is how your truck feels. Get it fixed ASAP.

 

[RonKZ650]

Hope it's under warranty, as water pump replacement most likely requires removing the body. $5,000 job if out of warranty. Got to love these new diesels.

 

[Dr.Evil]

RON - Really? Cab OFF for a waterpump? I did a waterpump on my '96 at 138,000 miles and thought that was WAY too soon, think it was in 2001. Did a cooling system flush & refill at the same time, took 5-6 hours including the parts run and trip back to dealer with core exchange of the old pump.

To the Orig. poster, yes, get the pump replaced before your trip, the ceramic seal can fail in a number of ways, all leading to greatly increased rate of coolant loss, most likely reason for leak is bearing wear, bearing wear will accelerate, and as said, could lock up pump and shred belt. Have heard of a couple failed pumps spitting the fan off and chewing up back side of radiator which makes for a real big leak.

 

[HeavyAssault]

Some people just love to make up stuff about motors for which they have zero knowledge.

 

[badbart]

I don't know if you need to remove the cab to do the water pump or not, but it would seem like a really great idea if Ford would make a flip up front end like the medium duty trucks. So many other engine repairs require body removal it would be a labor saver. But then again saving us money is not Ford's priority.

 

[Egwilly]

I would remove the ac/radiator behind the grille stuff before removing the body! Yikes! That would be a huge undertaking. Just think about all the wires and stuff connected to the body/engine that would be affected.