Coolant disappearing

[Pickupman_69]

well it seems one problem after another,in june both differential seals were gone, this week ended up spending 350 getting a output seal replaced.

and now my coolant is slowly disappearing,this morning the res was empty so I drove into town,temps were fine,filled it back up. no visible leaks.

I have noticed right when I start it and for a minute or two of driving my exhaust has been white, but then that smoke goes away.

any ideas? im hoping not a cracked block or head gasket,my wifes starting to get pissy with the money ive spent fixing this truck and she will probably freak if another big thing is wrong.

 

[BobWiersema]

I think you answered you own questions. Head gaskets would be my bet.
What engine do you have?

 

[Pickupman_69]

4.0
it must be going into the combustion chamber if thats the case as I changed my oil after I first noticed it low and it was fine and still today the new oil looks fine on the dipstick

 

[BobWiersema]

4.0
it must be going into the combustion chamber if thats the case as I changed my oil after I first noticed it low and it was fine and still today the new oil looks fine on the dipstick

4.0 what? It makes a big difference on the amount of work involved to replace head gaskets.

 

[Pickupman_69]

its an 03 so i think its the sohc,cant say ive ever looked to hard,either way the trucks going on a 6 hour trip today since the coolant is disappearing anymore.

I swear I won the mystery machine

 

[BobWiersema]

its an 03 so i think its the sohc,cant say ive ever looked to hard,either way the trucks going on a 6 hour trip today since the coolant is disappearing anymore.

I swear I won the mystery machine

Yes, the 03 sport only came with a 4.0L SOHC engine (I think). So you got your work cut out for you changing those head gaskets.

You will need the Ford Sohc 4.0L V6 Cam Service Set - $183.00

A gasket set from RockAuto Part # HGS436 - $150.00

And a new set of Head Bolts - about $60.00 from Rock Auto

You may want to consider a set of performance bolts from ARP.
The bolts are the main reason for failure. They are torque to yield bolts and thats a problem if you get these engines hot. Standard procedure on new ford 6.0 L diesel trucks is to replace these bolts with ARP performance bolts when the truck is new.

Hope this info helps.

Bob

p.s. A six hour trip on a truck with a failing head gasket might not be a good idea. If you keep pushing it and loose that gasket all together, you could cook that engine.