tuckler

Yesterday I was a couple miles from home with my 2000 f150 l 4.2 and the engine started heating up. Made it home and the truck was leaking coolant a steady drip. It was down at least a gallon. Never had a leak before yesterday. I've been all over that truck up and down and can't see where its coming from. The hoses and water pump are fine. The leak is coming from below the thermostat somewhere. I changed the thermostat and housing just to make sure, but that did nothing. Oil looks good and no moisture coming out of exhaust. Truck turns over fine but is not drivable with that much of a leak.
The leak is on the drivers side, way below the thermostat. Some people said it may be the timing chain cover, which I know nothing about. What would start leaking so much and so fast? I can do some small work on it, but to tear it all apart, I don't know. Would appreciate any suggestions...thanks

Martian

You could power wash the engine to get rid of it, then put some coolant dye in the tank. Then follow the new leak with a UV light.

tuckler

Thanks, but I don't think that would help. I seriously cannot get in a position where I could see the leak. Perhaps if I remove a few items ...maybe then the die would work.

Martian

Well, you're going to have to do that anyway if you intend to find it.

tuckler

True. I was trying to ignore the obvious. This would be a daunting task for me and I just don't think the truck would be worth having a shop do it. I'm guessing any major work in the area I'm talking about would be in the 2 grand range.

Martian

What's in the way? Can you take pictures and point to the general area?

tuckler

I'll take a pic tomorrow. The leak is below the drivers side valve cover. That and things like the steering fluid reservoir are in the way. From below you see nothing