Coolant leak issue...

TheSneakiness · 17-07-2006, 03:19 PM

It doesn't really concern me much, but I'd thought I'd post this up to see if anyone else has this problem.

I get a coolant leak from the hose that travels above the radiator/thermo fans (where I've circled in this pic taken from AUFalcon.com)

Now, the reason I'm not worried about it is that the temp stays in the normal range for the ute (between N and O), but it leaks from out under it and cakes onto the engine.

Should I be worried about it? I've had the hose replaced and it hasn't fixed it.

EA2BA · 17-07-2006, 03:49 PM

I would not worry too much, but a leak can only get bigger and worse over time as a general rule, and then it will let you down in the middle of no where, when you can least avoid it to happen.

New thermostat housing cover is cheap, think about changing it

TheSneakiness · 17-07-2006, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA2BA

New thermostat housing cover is cheap, think about changing it

That's the part the hose clamps onto? Yes/no?

I'm still learning the ins and outs of the engine...

AWD Chaser · 17-07-2006, 04:22 PM

Yeah, and from memory, I think you can get fully chromed ones from ebay... a new hose and hose clamp might be a better alternative first (if it leaks from the hose that is...).... good luck...

TheSneakiness · 17-07-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3 chaser

Yeah, and from memory, I think you can get fully chromed ones from ebay... a new hose and hose clamp might be a better alternative first (if it leaks from the hose that is...).... good luck...

I did state before that the hose and clamp have already been replaced, the engine bay in the ute is a hell of a lot messier than that car.

JC · 17-07-2006, 04:37 PM

Are you sure it's leaking from that hose? Mine was leaking from the thermostat housing itself (lost about 500ml of water in a month). Nothing too bad, but I hate the smell of cooking coolant, and it stains everything it touches.

TheSneakiness · 17-07-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Are you sure it's leaking from that hose? Mine was leaking from the thermostat housing itself (lost about 500ml of water in a month). Nothing too bad, but I hate the smell of cooking coolant, and it stains everything it touches.

Yep, absolutely sure JC. From where it joins onto the housing.

I lifted the bonnet yesterday to do some adjusting with gas mixtures and can see caked on coolant. I'll get a pic tonight and post it up tomorrow.

howesy · 17-07-2006, 04:47 PM

Replace the hose as well. Over time the hose goes hard and resists clamping pressure to seal. Do this and use utilux type clamp and clean spiggot and smear lightly with grease and it will be fine.

Racecraft · 17-07-2006, 06:06 PM

it looks that car is still using the gay Ford squeeze band clamp... Pi$$ that off Kenny and use a std hose clamp if you haven't already

TheSneakiness · 18-07-2006, 08:48 AM

Before I post this pic of MY engine bay, the one I posted earlier was of someone else's car that I got off AUFalcon.com to show where I was talking about.

This is the leak in question...

Sorry for quality of pic.

See just under the hose, there caked on coolant just above the join where the housing bolts to the engine. This means to me that it's not coming through that join, but from underneath where the hose is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Me

I've had the hose replaced and it hasn't fixed it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3chaser

a new hose and hose clamp might be a better alternative first

Quote:

Originally Posted by Me, again

I did state before that the hose and clamp have already been replaced

Quote:

Originally Posted by howesy

Replace the hose as well

Guys, for the final time, the hose was replaced when I first noticed it about a month ago, which fixed it for a short time.

If you mean to re-replace it, it won't need it, still feels good, hasn't gone hard or anything like that.

Also, those small specks of baked coolant was my fault. It's not the result of the issue at hand.

Racecraft · 18-07-2006, 08:51 AM

undo the hose clamp and move it about 3mm closer to the neck of the housing.. It looks to be far enough back to actually be sitting on the flare... Make sure the hose clamp is tight, depending on the brand of clamp some of those 8-13mm ones can be duds..

and buy a new camera
come and get this microwave
and your console :P

TheSneakiness · 18-07-2006, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racecraft

undo the hose clamp and move it about 3mm closer to the neck of the housing.. It looks to be far enough back to actually be sitting on the flare... Make sure the hose clamp is tight, depending on the brand of clamp some of those 8-13mm ones can be duds..

and buy a new camera
come and get this microwave
and your console :P

OK, done. Will do it tonight when I'm finished at work.

Camera is in the pipeline. :P

Give me a time to come get the stuff Tibbo. Except maybe not this weekend... got other stuff on.

**Papa Smurf** · 18-07-2006, 09:55 AM

Au and BA Falcon have this fault of leaking from the Top thermo outlet where the hose attaches to. It is the Pipe Fitting coming lose in the Alloy housing. I don't think that Ford has taken much notice about ammending this? has been happening for 8 years. :(

When you are searching around for a new one, make sure that if you get an aftermarket one that it isnt like the Original.

Bill M · 18-07-2006, 09:16 PM

I replaced my thermostat housing and genuine Ford it is about $29.00, I had leaks around the O ring(not me the Ford) so far so good.
cheers
Bill.

mik · 18-07-2006, 09:48 PM

good excuse to get a chrome one

TheSneakiness · 19-07-2006, 08:59 AM

Small update...

I moved the clamp towards the housing and temp is better than before (sits before N now), but I've noticed in the join that there's a coolant "seal", as in it looks like it's leaking, but it doesn't.

Almost sounds like I need a new thermostat housing...

Sleeperau · 29-07-2006, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUII_SE_Ute

Small update...

I moved the clamp towards the housing and temp is better than before (sits before N now), but I've noticed in the join that there's a coolant "seal", as in it looks like it's leaking, but it doesn't.

Almost sounds like I need a new thermostat housing...

I feel your pain!
I had the same problem But with a new clamp & playing with the position of the clamp the leak is finally gone. I did have to move the clamp a few times though & tighten the life out of it. Make sure you clean the housing to get a good seal.

Markan · 27-10-2017, 06:02 PM

Talking about themostat can somone tell me will the tyton high flow number tt228-195 will this thermo fit in my ford au series 3 xr6vct? Also I don't understand under the radiator right bottom leaks at moment drops is there some plug or something I heard that it let's out coolant if expansion not sure but only happens now and again can't understand if there was even a small hole would still leak 3 out of 10 checks no leak? ?took to a brake and radiator place bloke goes small hole can patch it up for $150 didn't feel comfortable with his answer as I said why would it stop leaking most of the time temperature doesn't go over o got to add coolant but only say 100, 200 ml this one has got me! Plus how could he see I saw didn't realy look hard and when I said big or small hole doesn't know said by the leak it's small! Who to trust u tubed everything I could think of dumb founded. Would really appreciate it. .