2005 5.4 f 250 leaking coolant off oil filter - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

loopy989 · 06-03-2012, 21:47

I bought a 2005 f 250 supercab long box 5.4 and am noticing coolant running out of what seems to be the top of the oil filter manifold. Anyone seen this? is there a frost plug behind it that is causing? Pretty steady drip that lasts for about 10 min after the engine is shut off. does not change amount of leak as engine is started. just steady drips.

**360ci** · 06-05-2012, 11:39

If the block is rusted, the freeze plug may have been compromised by a previous owner who neglected it for a period of time (parked it outside in winter without proper coolant/water mix, etc). If the mix isn't right, when the water freezes the plug will expand taking pressure off the block itself. I'd remove the freeze plug (coolant will come out!) and install a new one. I think I had to hammer the last one in and seal it if I'm not mistaken on my older Dodge; but that was 12 years ago. I had to remove the exhaust manifold to gain access but I saved myself $150 in labour costs at the shop. Ran great after for two more years before I traded up for my Durango R/T.

One thing you can try to be certain it's the freeze plug area. Is buy some UV dye, and add a bit to the coolant; drive the vehicle and with a UV bulb, you'll notice the source of the leak as it'll stand out.

**djzx3** · 06-05-2012, 13:17

Probably would have cost you ever more then $150 bucks around here.

And I like the UV trick their 360, never thought to dye the coolant to find hard leaks. I'll keep that in mind.

**360ci** · 06-05-2012, 16:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by djzx3

Probably would have cost you ever more then $150 bucks around here.

And I like the UV trick their 360, never thought to dye the coolant to find hard leaks. I'll keep that in mind.

Today's prices it would be a good $225 for labour as the rates in Ontario are in the $100/hr range per technician. Back then, I believe I was quoted 2.5hrs at a local shop for $150. Sales tax on the dollar was also 7% back then, it's now 13%.

The dye is hard to find thanks to Ontario's new environmental laws, but in most areas it should be fairly accessible. Add a small amount and it shouldn't affect the fluid performance or longevity.