Looking for advice on finding a coolant leak. Normally I’ve seen coolant leaks while a vehicle is running or at least warm. Today I noticed a slow drip while the truck is cold. Haven’t driven it since Sunday afternoon. It’s dripping off of a skid plate or splash guard.

From what I’ve read on here I’m thinking it’s maybe the y-pipe o-ring that has wore out. Has anyone had similar symptoms?

I attached a pic from Google of where the leak is dripping for reference. My truck is a 2018 3.5.

 

Yes this is a common issue for our trucks, Welcome!

 

I’m coming from a corvette so I’ll take the $5 o-ring replacement cost haha

 

3.5 turbos each have a coolant line from behind their head, and another extending forward to the block. (Additional lines carry oil to/fro).

Coolant lines attach with quick connect “Jiffy fittings”. O rings in jiffy fittings are a known leak source, particularly cold. Look for drops of coolant at the fittings and running down the tubes from behind the engine.

2011 XLT Screw 4x4 3.5l 3:55LS

https://youtu.be/6H8PxVPwRY4

 

From what I’ve read the y-pipe coolant connector is only on the 5.0. I also can’t locate it on my 3.5 so I’m assuming this is the case. I have removed the skid plate under the truck and can see the leak is coming from the passenger side of the engine, but can find it at the top of the engine. From what I can tell it’s not coming from the turbo but I’m not positive. Any advice?

 

there are two hard lines on the turbo for coolant - one on top and one between turbo and block. If they arent leaking at the turbo itself I would follow those lines back to the motor and check that end. The one behind the head you cant really see but could reach back there and feel for it.

 

When my coolant was magically disappearing, it was difficult to find as well, until one day I found a drop of coolant on the outside of the water pump, and that turned out to be the cause. I later found out it's not uncommon on the 3.5.

 

After removing some hoses I was able to see the coolant is leaking from the front of the engine which I believe is the water pump. Correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve removed the throttle body and a few of the charge pipes. Still having trouble getting to the water pump. Has anyone done this job or have a link to any threads on this? I can only find threads on older models.

 

Could be. I've also had issues on my past Fords where the leak originated from the coolant tank in the front. It had a small crack in it and leaked onto the ground/engine. Another area to check.

 

for me i had this leak from the 2nd old change and explained to the dealership about the leak always being told we cant find the leak or thats normal, so it was picture and video time ( leak was always behind the drivers side tire mid way in. I showed them and here is the list of what they tried. when i asked becasue i did some google research and seen videos on 2016 and i have 2017, could be the Y pipe or the Turbo fitting im not mechanic but i can google.

Coolent flush -no
Coolent cap - no
Water pump - no
Dedgas bottle - no
Turbo fittings/lines etc - TBD they still have the truck (over 2 weeks now) and was told this is a 15hr job @ aprox.3800.00
this imo should have been a TSB for the 2017