Where is this coolant leak coming from?

[BruceExploder]

I had a small leak I couldn't pinpoint until recently now that it's gotten worse. I'm not familiar with the coolant system on the 5.0 so I can't figure out exactly where this is coming from. I have pictures.

 

[BruceExploder]

I looked at the thermostat housing and it looks dry as far as I know?

 

[gmanpaint]

If your housing/hose's aren't leaking, and the valley is dry, a good chance, it's an intake gasket rotted in the back.

The plastic valve might be cracked at the firewall or the coolant hoses connected to it can be bad. This is for the heater core on the passenger side. Feel the carpet for wetness. Can open the channel at the passenger door and look for coolant in there.

To help source the leak, place some dry clean cardboard under the entire front end overnight. Make sure it is only dripping from one spot, not many. If more than one....This will tell you if the leak is traveling before dropping from above. Bonus is you find all your other leaks this way. lol

 

[Turdle]

Could be an intake leak, but a drip on the passenger side cat almost certainly is the heater core

edit. look for a small drip of coolant hanging on the harmonic balancer bottom. You will need to crawl under the front of the truck to see.

If you see a drip there and it seems to run down the side of the oil pan, it may be a timing cover leak

 

[410Fortune]

flashlight
You need a flashlight
Look under the thermostat housing
Your picture is not looking deep enough into the 5.0, a good bright light is best way to find problems
Look the the heater hoses coming out of the waterpump
Then look all around the timing cover

The leak by your transmission may be from the heater core area as stated above
However leaks on the front of the engine will get blown back by the fan and also drip from the trans cooler lines/ back of the engine
Look around the heater bypass valve (plastic valve up by the blower HVAC box where water lines lead into heater core)

best way to find a coolant leak is to follow the wetness up with your fingers and a strong flashlight until you find the highest point
Clean it all up, use cardboard under the truck over night to spot the drip location (lowest point)
Then follow the drips upward and usually they lead to the source

How many miles on this 5.0?

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

When in doubt, C-4!

 

[BruceExploder]

How many miles on this 5.0?

267k he's an old dog

I appreciate you all responding so fast you guys have helped me keep this thing running. I will do the cardboard and look for the leak the way you all have mentioned.