chrs93

Hey guys,

I'm hoping to get some feedback from you. I've the coolant leak in the valley of the block. I've got an 01 Supercrew w/5.4. I have replaced the o rings and the metal heater core line that runs down the valley of the block. Because Ive pulled my intake to get to this point I'm going to replace my intake gaskets as well. Is there anything else that could cause coolant to leak into the valley of engine block? I just figured based on the low cost of the parts in this area I might well replace anything that might cause this leak.

Jbrew

I'd never replace the O-rings. When those start leaking, you upgrade to the heater hose mod. Ford did this on their remans because the o-rings are problematic and when the go out again, it's a PITA replacing intake gaskets again just because the o-rings don't last.

There's a picture of the mod in all Chilton /haynes books. I documented the repair 9 years ago and it hasn't leaked since.

chrs93

Jbrew, Did you document your repair on the forum somewhere?

Jbrew

A few, I posted here as well, not sure where it is though. I can give yuh a few pics if you want.

chrs93

I'm pretty mechanical, I'm just trying to get an idea what the mod is. Ive seen where a piece of hose it clamped to the end of the metal line. If you could show some pics that would be greatly appreciated.

chrs93

Besides pictures (Which would be great!) could you describe the modification that you did?

Jbrew

Remove o-rings, clean WP stem, -



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You cut the bell of the end, -



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Connect a section of heater hose to both pieces, -



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Another pic,




I can't remember 5/8 or 3/4 heater hose.

chrs93

Thanks Jbrew. Its appreciated. Here's the sad part, after I messaged you I decided to go look the plastic on my intake since I had it off. Unfortunately, for me as I was giving it a good once over. I found an internal crack inside the port where the metal crossover attaches to the intake on the passenger side of the intake. So at this point I'm not even 100% sure that the metal bypass line was the leak at all. Now I'm wondering if the plastic intake was the leak culprit and not the heater hose/o ring set up. Thoughts?

Jbrew

Could be either, but the cracked intake is more common.

The good news, you found it now vs later.

chrs93

When u say cut off the bell of the metal line. Do u mean cut off the initial flared edge or do u mean the last 1 to 2 inches of the line that is a little larger?