Nic Miltenberger

I have 97 with the 4.6 and I'm getting I'm losing antifreeze and I'm finding it on the front and rear plugs on passenger side but I just changed the plugs so it don't misfire could y'all help me

Fordfan2006

it sounds like a intake manifold leak. But I'm not positive..

Nic Miltenberger

That's kinda what I was thinking but I'm not forsure it still runs awesome it just uses a lot of antifreeze

Fordfan2006

That is the only thing i can think of causing antifreeze to get in the plug wells because there are no hoses at the back unless its a heater hose with a split or hole.

River1

Is there any chance you coolant reservoir is blowing coolant onto the motor?

Fordfan2006

It wouldn't be likely the degas bottle is on the left behind the driver side headlight..

Jbrew

Most likley a heater core hose. It's difficult to catch leaking because they can leak when certain conditions are met, then stop.

While at operating temp, run the vehicle thru the rpms while watching for leaks. Wear SAFETY GOGGLES or a full face mask, gloves, sweatshirt.

River1

After reading your comment I went out to my 98 to see where the reservoir is. It is on the driver side also. I never paid attention to it before and I don't do much of my own maintenance anymore so it never mattered. It's the first Ford I can remember owning where it wasn't by the battery on the passenger side. 2 other Fords in the driveway and it's where I expected but now know not to. Thank you.

Nic,

Back on topic and check this out. It might help. Leaks appear to have been a common problem in 97. You'll also find Brews heater hose and a lot on various intake problems. Be careful. Hydraulic lock is a steady theme in the complaints.

http://www.aboutautomobile.com/Compl...d/F-150/Engine

Jbrew

It also could be the by-pass for the cold climate system or the intake fitting. It's just a barb fitting that's pressed into the intake if it's aluminum, I believe yours is. Anyway, if they are hit hard enough they'll tip and leak.

That said, ford used bastard clamps on the heater core lines down low. They aren't even the correct hose clamps lol. Regardless they dig into the rubber and loosen the connection. Ford used lifetime hoses..all hoses are lifetime but because of the wrong clamps used, well, they didn't last my lifetime.

River1