1997XLTRollover
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- February 28, 2007
- Messages
- 1,321
- Reaction score
- 7
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 AWD 5.0
Hey guys I've got a really odd coolant leak that I can't understand. I've got a 96 5.0 that I just completely rebuilt. It's basically a stock rebuild and I replaced everything when I did the build, pistons, valve springs, lifters, all sensors, radiator hoses etc.
Now the truck runs great, doesn't overheat, runs a solid 194 degrees, no noises, sounds like well... a new engine. I'm running the Stant Superstat (195 deg) and I can't believe I would have put it in backwards (is this even possible?). But I've got about 450 miles on the engine now and I have this phantom coolant leak form the upper radiator hose. I say phantom because it doesn't leak when the truck is driving around, nor does it leak all the time. It seems to only leak when I let the truck idle for 10+ minutes warming up.
I already tried double clamping it and replaced the radiator cap. but it still leaks from the hose on the radiator side. I'm almost wondering if there is a micro crack in the radiator I can't see or if for some reason coolant pressures are rising higher at idle than when driving.
Any ideas? I'm really at a loss and I depend on this truck daily to get me to work.
Now the truck runs great, doesn't overheat, runs a solid 194 degrees, no noises, sounds like well... a new engine. I'm running the Stant Superstat (195 deg) and I can't believe I would have put it in backwards (is this even possible?). But I've got about 450 miles on the engine now and I have this phantom coolant leak form the upper radiator hose. I say phantom because it doesn't leak when the truck is driving around, nor does it leak all the time. It seems to only leak when I let the truck idle for 10+ minutes warming up.
I already tried double clamping it and replaced the radiator cap. but it still leaks from the hose on the radiator side. I'm almost wondering if there is a micro crack in the radiator I can't see or if for some reason coolant pressures are rising higher at idle than when driving.
Any ideas? I'm really at a loss and I depend on this truck daily to get me to work.