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  1. #1

    Post Rear Engine Coolant Leak 5.0 CFI

    I have a 1984 Ford Thunderbird with a 5.0 CFI and auto trans... I've noticed when the engine gets up to operating temperature, a coolant leak develops at the right rear of the engine. Looking under the car, coolant begins to leak off between the the bell housing and the engine block. When I turn off the engine, I can hear a "sizzling" sound at the top part of the engine on the right rear side below the value cover. I used a borescope down near the right rear cylinder head, but couldn't find any leaks.

    For this era of the the 5.0 engine, what would be some of the causes of the coolant leak? Hoping there is a coolant pipe or hose located in the right rear of the engine, but I'm thinking it might be something more serious since I was unable to find the leak with a borescope. Thanks...

  2. #2
    FEP Power Member Broncojunkie's Avatar
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    There should be a freeze plug on the back of the head. Can you get a look at it? It may be seeping from that.
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  3. #3
    FEP Super Member bwguardian's Avatar
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    When you say right side...is that the passenger side? It could be a freeze plug, head gasket, intake gasket. Is it still in original stock configuration?
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  4. #4

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    Yes, it's leaking on the passenger side of the engine. Engine is running good, so I'm thinking it's a freeze plug. Car has been in the family since new. All stock with 105k miles on the engine that has never been taken apart. Now I'm thinking cylinder head will need to be removed to make the repair. I'll see if I can find the leak again...

  5. #5

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    Isnt the coolant passage along the rear of the intake manifold, at the back of the head?

  6. #6

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    You have everything over there. Heater core, egr, all of it. Could be as simple as a hose leaking.
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  7. #7
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    I believe the air pump line also connects at the rear of the head. It may hide the freeze plug. The rubber expandable plugs are good for this.
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