Coolant Leak?

[Jayybird]

I have a 2005 model. I know the "full" line is the min line on the degas bottle. However, is the full line when the engine is hot or cold? I recently installed a coolant filter and had topped off my coolant when i was done. I did this when the engine was cold and I filled it to the min line. Well, i just noticed it was about 1/2" below the min line when the engine was cold (checked in the morning before work). Apparently i leaked a little but i can't tell where, all connections are dry and I can't tell if it had leaked out of the degas bottle cap. When I installed the filter and coolant it was pretty cool outside (about a month ago), in the last week it warmed up to the upper 80s. I assume (hoping) that i just overfilled it or trapped air in the system from the filter and some puked out of the degas bottle, not sure tho. Any suggestions?

[dieseldan2005]

I just installed the coolant filter also and i have been finding that my hose clamps have been dripping a little for some dumb reason. I almost feel like i overtightened them, because the topside of the clamps are wet and maybe i cut the hose? They were damp so i would turn em down a little more but still leaking. Also i think that the min line on the degas bottles is supposed to be the max line if you have the replacement sticker. Its not the other way around. Too much above the max line and it might puke it out.

[Heathrm]

When I installed my coolant filter, I was also afraid of overtightening the clamps and they leaked. I cranked them up good, and it settled out at a good level on the degas bottle. Now my heater valve is leaking, passengerside header line that you tie into with the Dieselsite filter. Check that, I have talked to a few people that have had the same problem with that valve.

[Jayybird]

Originally Posted by dieseldan2005

I just installed the coolant filter also and i have been finding that my hose clamps have been dripping a little for some dumb reason. I almost feel like i overtightened them, because the topside of the clamps are wet and maybe i cut the hose? They were damp so i would turn em down a little more but still leaking. Also i think that the min line on the degas bottles is supposed to be the max line if you have the replacement sticker. Its not the other way around. Too much above the max line and it might puke it out.

Yeah, I've been watching the connections that made for the filter but can't tell tell that any of them are leaking...I'll just have to keep my eye on things. Thanks

[Heathrm]

Pay attention to the metal "T" fitting for the heater line. That is where mine started. I had originally made a bad cut of the line and it did not sit right. I ended up getting new line and replacing it. Now no leak there, just from the valve. I just picked that up $25 @ Ford. I will change it out this weekend.

[Jayybird]

Originally Posted by Heathrm

Pay attention to the metal "T" fitting for the heater line. That is where mine started. I had originally made a bad cut of the line and it did not sit right. I ended up getting new line and replacing it. Now no leak there, just from the valve. I just picked that up $25 @ Ford. I will change it out this weekend.

Funny that you mention that. I figured that connection would be the culprit. It was a tough to get a clean even cut on that hose with the damn intercooler pipe on top of it. I'll double check it. I wonder if i could put something around it (rag/paper towel) that way I would know if it leaks. I expect a small dribble here and there would evaporate very quickly due to the heat under the hood. I have to replace the coolant filter this weekend, I'll look into it then. Thanks for the tips, greatly appreciated.

[tech10002]

+1 on the heater valve. I just noticed mine is below the min line and after looking around a little, I saw coolant seeping out of the shaft penetration of the heater valve. What a piece of crap plastic part!!!