Hello. I have 1996 F150 300 I6 manual transmission. It's running well with bits of work I did and I'd like to keep it as long as possible. It has only around 85,000 miles on it.
About the cooling, and I have good heating and temp gauge is always in the normal range, is it a good maintenance to change the radiator and thermostat at this time?
I am also loosing coolant. I found one "how to" that used 10 psi for pressure test. Is this enough for F150? When doing pressure test, are these the points where I should look for leaks?
1. hoses and connections.
2. water pump?
3. where head gasket would be
4. heater core (although I smell nothing sweet or coolant with heat on)
5. all around the radiator
Is the fan shroud removed by getting the fan out of the way? I also plan to leak down test, when I am sure how to do it.
Thank you all in advance.

 

It could be lots of different things, but I had an issue with the water pump weeping coolant slowly to the point to where I couldn't detect it. I never tracked it until I replaced the water pump as a means of preventive maintenance when I replaced the timing cover gasket. When I looked at the bottom of the water pump, I saw where it had been weeping out. Different engine, different water pump, but that's just my 2 cents.

 

If the cooling system is working fine, the radiator probably doesnt need replacing unless it's leaking. The thermostat usually shouldnt need replacement until it goes bad, but if it eases your mind go for it. It's cheap enough an easy enough to do. And when you do the pressure test 10 psi should be enough, but I thought it was 12-unsure- when you pressure test, check everything you listed and leave the pressure tester on there long enough for it to drop low, if you are having trouble finding it, keep putting it back to 10 psi a few times. If you still can't find it it could be leaking internally. How's your exhaust smell/look?

 

Thank you both for replies. The coolant loss was making me worry about head gasket. More you know, more you worry. Today passed the hydrocarbon test.
Tomorrow to rent pressure tester. Again, thank you.