Coolant Leak

[vote_no]

edit: 1998 Mustang GT

Don't know much about cars, so I figured you all might help. I've got a coolant leak, the origin of which is pretty uncertain. It leaks very quickly for a while, and then later stops. There's some coolant around the thermostat, so I've been told it is most likely the thermostat gasket not sealing properly. The thermostat makes a sort of repeated clicking noise after the engine's turned off.

The other interesting thing is that, earlier today, I noticed that the coolant level was very low in the reservoir, but then I drove it for a while and it was almost full. My understanding is that engines have an overflow reservior, is it possible that it's somehow been overfilled and that's why it's leaking?

I'm just grabbing at straws because I'd rather buy a $2 o-ring than go to a mechanic.

 

[Gerardo]

does your intake has the aluminum crossover or is it all plastic. if it is plastic you will need to replace your intake for the one with aluminum crossover.

 

[02nightmaregt]

The 98's do not have the alum. crossover. Right around where your seeing that coolant is where they are notorious for cracking. Thats what i am guessing has happened to yours. Sounds like a good time for a PI swap. Find out for sure first though.

 

[fudleyd]

The 98's do not have the alum. crossover. Right around where your seeing that coolant is where they are notorious for cracking. Thats what i am guessing has happened to yours. Sounds like a good time for a PI swap. Find out for sure first though.

This certainly could be the case here...

I still have my stock non-aluminum intake and have been lucky I guess. When mine does crack though I wanna upgrade to a roots blower...lol.

 

[RandyStinchcomb]

The 98's do not have the alum. crossover. Right around where your seeing that coolant is where they are notorious for cracking. Thats what i am guessing has happened to yours. Sounds like a good time for a PI swap. Find out for sure first though.

not true, ANY 4.6 that has had the intake replaced wth the updated FoMoCo intake WILL have the aluminum x-over, even Non-Pi's....I do agree that it prob is a split/cracked intake and that a PI intake swap would be a wise choice.....

 

[blubullett]

This certainly could be the case here...

I still have my stock non-aluminum intake and have been lucky I guess. When mine does crack though I wanna upgrade to a roots blower...lol.

Hopefully it is cracked I can hear it now..."honey, I need a new intake cause mine is cracked and the only one who makes one is kenne bell"

 

[Mustang5L5]

The coolant bottle on the 4.6l is not an overflow. It's a degas bottle designed to separate air from the coolant mix. Notice there is no radiator cap. The cap is on the bottle and is pressurized. If it's low, add some fluid.

 

[02nightmaregt]

not true, ANY 4.6 that has had the intake replaced wth the updated FoMoCo intake WILL have the aluminum x-over, even Non-Pi's....I do agree that it prob is a split/cracked intake and that a PI intake swap would be a wise choice.....

I know this but he never said his was updated. If its stock it plastic