2007 Eddie Bauer V8 slow coolant leak

[qb100]

Ok the vehicle has 140k miles and we recently got it. I have put over a gallon of antifreeze in the reservoir and noticed it was empty within 2 weeks, so its a slow leak

I've been watching and can't see any leaks on the driveway other than normal water from the A/C

I checked the "y" fitting going to the rear that seems common. you can get a good look through the front passenger side wheel. didn't see anything leaking there.

I noticed many threads where the 06 model year with radiator leaks and will start looking to see if I can see any residue from a slow leak. Didn't see where the 07 and up models had the same horrible issues.

Any ideas of where to look on the 07 with the V8?

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Welcome to the forum!

I would suggest getting the system pressure tested. I'm not sure if your local auto parts store lends out pressure testers but I just checked Harbor Freight and their tester kit is listed at $90. You may be able to find a ford specific kit cheaper on Amazon.

When under pressure, it "should" be obvious where the leak is. You typically can see it and hear it. Honestly, it could be leaking anywhere - water pump, thermostat housing, hose coupling, etc. Only pressurize to what's listed on your radiator cap at most - usually about 15psi.

 

[Explorer_PL]

The radiators are the same design I believe, so I do not think having 07 or newer year helps. Also, most likely at this point it was replaced, possibly with an aftermarket unit. I replaced mine at 150 k with a Spectra unit that I got off ebay for $ 190.
100k miles later it's still good.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Maybe check the rear heater hoses that feed up into the heater core (I think that's what it's called?). You can see the hoses on the back drivers side behind the rear wheel.

 

[07EddyB]

Remove the air snorkel from the air cleaner box and the throttle body. Remove the bolt holding the power steering reservoir on and move it out of the way. Remove the coolant overflow/reservoir tank. Now take the top half of the fan shroud off. There is a bolt toward the top on each side and you'll have to 'unclip' it from the bottom shroud. Now you have a very nice view of the back of the radiator. That's the only way I found the leak at the top of mine. Same symptoms - always adding coolant but never any on the ground.

I might mention (since I just did this to replace the belt and tensioner) that the top half wont come out - too close to the upper radiator hose. But you can move it back toward the engine and get a clear view of pretty much all of the radiator.

 

[qb100]

Forum members- i noticed this weekend a pile of antifreeze under the vehicle and when running the "y-fitting" was leaking profusely... so i did the $12 fix with the y fitting from O'riley and some hose clamps.
maybe it's still leaking somewhere else... and maybe i just missed it leaking at the Y'fitting the first time..

Side note: i just cut the 3 hoses and inserted the new fitting.. if you do this method i suggest connecting the lower hose on the Y first, was a p.i.t.a to push that last hose on in the space provided, but i got it... took about 20 minutes.

thanks again

 

[ULDlose]

Incase anyone is looking for the heater hose for 06-10 Explorers or Mountaineers. Dorman now makes a upgraded hose with a aluminum y-fitting Part Number 626-551.

 

[07FordExplorerEB]

My slow coolant leak turned out to be a cracked thermostat housing. No coolant on the ground because the coolant would puddle up on the engine block right behind the housing unit. Then it evaporated with with the heat of the engine.