[Hackfabrication]

Well, after getting the 5.0L started, it's developed a coolant leak. It's coming from the rear of the engine. I don't believe it's the soft plug, as the motor is virtually new, and on inspection all the plugs looked good.

I had filled the radiator/engine with coolant and let it sit for almost a week before starting. No leaks. It just started to leak after I got the engine to operating temperature.

I'm wondering if it's the lower intake. I installed it with new FRP gaskets and RTV, torqued the bolts down in three stages. Re-checked torque every couple of days. I just haven't re-torqued them since the engine start.

There is no coolant in the oil, no white smoke... Just a couple drips down the back running off the spacer plate below the rear pan seal.

Thoughts?

 

[Hackfabrication]

Repaired....

 

[TheUnforgiven]

sooo????

 

[BigBroncoXLT]

what was the problem??

 

[Hackfabrication]

On the rear of the lower intake there are 3/8" pipe threaded holes.

Sorta difficult to see in the above pic, unless you blow it up some, but they are blue in color. One is visible by the last intake bolt on the right.

Originally: One was plugged with a regular steel pipe plug, the other was used for the EGR and had a hose fitting on it. When I had the intake off, I removed them both (I'm not running an EGR), and installed two 3/8" Aeromotive aluminum plugs (socket head type). I used Teflon sealant, and snugged them down. It turns out they needed to be more than 'snug'. I pulled the upper intake, and 'cranked' them down a few more turns. Ran the engine up to 180* (also set the fan controller), and no leaks. Got up this morning, bone dry under the heep.

An easy 'fix' for once.....