gibson2011

Smells of a coolant leak, but this truck isn't a leaker. Cant find ANYTHING for a coolant leak, but when all warmed up on the highway she smells hot. Doesnt smell when driving in town.
temp gauge shows normal.
replaced thermostat last winter, thats the only change to the cooling system.

also, signs of tranny slipping? doesnt lock up like it used to. its my daily driver, and doesnt see much play time, so its not being abused.

at this point i'd really like to make sure this thing isnt going to overheat on me as its my only source of transportation for the winter.

garbill2003

Check the intake hoses and the worst thing it could be is the head for you sake I hope it's not

gibson2011

Head gasket = engine drop basically. 5.4 is a big motor for a small space. Can you even pull the head with the block in the truck? :/ oh yuck. Hope it's a loose hose!
Px test maybe?

garbill2003

Mines the same way never done a head but we got to learn some how I've put a engine in but never rebuilt one iam probably pulling my engine out of my truck getting rid of the ford heads and putting Trickflows on it I just bought a car for the down time so its no hurry for me I hope it's something simple on your truck and wish you the best of luck

pickupsrule

Check for fuel leaks everywhere around the engine fuel can leak. Ethanol enriched gas smells just like coolant when it leaks or hits a hot engine.
If you are not losing any coolant, it can't be the head gasket. Make a note of where the coolant is when cool, and check it on a regular basis cool. If you have lost no coolant, it's not a coolant leak. Now if it is the head gasket, and you are sure, you can add some of that head gasket repair crap to the coolant, and everything I have read said that stuff actually works but get the good stuff (like Thermagasket) not the cheap garbage.
I see no reason to freak out at this time.