5.0 coolant leak

[Scotts96sploder]

I’ve been ignoring a coolant leak for about 6 months now, but it’s getting worse. It’s hard to find as the leak seems to go away when the engine is warm. As far as I can tell it’s either coming from the water pump or the thermostat housing. I ordered both because last time I had it apart the thermostat housing is mostly rotted away. I was planning on changing the two small hoses off the top of the pump this weekend, anyone know the sizes? Also can I use the same type of hose to replace the one from the power steering tank?

 

[nameskreen]

The coolant hoses are vehicle specific. When you go to the parts store for the water pump and thermostat, just tell them you also need the coolant bypass hoses. The power steering hose is different. You will need a hose specifically for power steering/transmission fluid. It's 5/8 diameter and about 6 in.long

 

[8TZX]

I just replaced my housing, gasket, and thermostat last month on my 5.0.The ends on the coolant bypass hose are two (2) different sizes. The smaller size (5/8) is on the thermostat housing size. I don't recall the water pump side. I bought the hose at Advance Auto (Car Quest). Also, be careful when you tighten the housing. It's aluminum and the torque is 13 -18 ft-lbs. It can crack if you over tighten

 

[Scotts96sploder]

Well, had this all set up to get done today and life got in the way, ended up doing it at night in the rain! Lol anyway, pleased to see that none of my work was leaking, it was the old thermostat housing and the pipe off the water pump. Still need to replace the water pump but that’s gonna need more time, I did replace the thermo housing and the bypass hose, also the power steering tank line. I was able to get just enough on the pump side to keep it from leaking for now. High pressure tested with burnouts!

I had a look in the radiator and it looks rusted, I thought they were aluminum? I guess I’ll replace that, Fack lol