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Anti Freeze Disappearing out of '03 Expedition 4.6
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articulate1
Novice
Feb 18, 2009, 10:10 AM
Post #1 of 9
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Anti Freeze Disappearing out of '03 Expedition 4.6
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2003 Ford Expedition 4.6L 102,000
Oil/Temp Light came on while driving down the interstate. Stopped at next exit and noticed coolant reservoir was low. Oil level was fine. Installed anti-freeze and Oil/Temp light goes out. Week later, same thing. Ford dealership thinks I'm losing my mind. Pressure check on system fine. No leaks in system. They said they have never seen that light come on. Where's my coolant going? Ford mechanic told me "If you are actually losing coolant, you need to unload this vehicle immediately". What's going on?
(edited subject line only to assist searchers with similar troubles, TG)
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Feb 19, 2009, 11:18 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 18, 2009, 10:36 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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#1 - Check for recall of intake issues!
Intake on some 4.6s are a plastic that doesn't hold up well - can crack OR have gasket issues. Sometimes a whole intake manifold would be the fix. You might see traces at a spout or gasket area and the problem.
Don't know that dash and gauge set up but wonder why oil light is on too?? Is it one light to check for gauges for either if having an issue? I plain dunno on that.
Pressure tests don't always show up the problem or leak. It may only do it at full operating temps and not for the test.
Whatever you do, don't allow it to get low and overheat which just adds insult to injury for the problem.
It could be a pricey repair but so is switching vehicles. You decide of course. If you are a new vehicle buyer there probably won't be a better time to trade for a new one,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 18, 2009, 6:27 PM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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>>They said they have never seen that light come on. Where's my coolant going? Ford mechanic told me "If you are actually losing coolant, you need to unload this vehicle immediately".<<
Did the guy that told you this have a full set of teeth? He didn't have a banjo, did he? Hmmmmmm.
I'd try another dealer or an independent.
Loren
SW Washington
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articulate1
Novice
Feb 19, 2009, 6:33 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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The Oil/Temp light is (1) light. What is the best way to check for recalls? Took it to another dealership on yesterday. They said they could start with the manifold ($3000 repair) but they don't know what's going on in the engine and I may need a new engine ($6000 repair). They recommend that if I do anything I may as well go with the new engine to avoid possibly flushing $3000 down the toilet. They also suggested I look at purchasing another Ford off the sales lot considering the cost of the repair.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 19, 2009, 7:09 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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You seem to be getting total BS from these places and need help from a real shop! This part (Intake Manifold Plenum) highly suspect of being your trouble isn't that much - no where near it!!!! Came up with the 2002 MY but should be the same or similar priced. Where the heck did $3,000.00 bucks come from? Are these folks making their own "Stimulus Package" for their business?
Recalls: Have VIN handy. I don't have the site at hand but you could try puching that into your search bar to see what shows or call the toll free # in the owner's manual. Obviously you aren't getting help from the dealer.
Note: This manifold is at least sometimes made of plastic OE and failures common - starting with leaks. Is the whole engine junk? Does or can it run well?
If you feel you are on your own without recall for this problem then find a shop - any decent shop - not necessarily a Ford shop.
Guess: That this is the trouble, parts + labor - let's throw in anti-freeze and an oil change job too and misc parts you may want at the same time should still be under ~ $800 (guess) that based on ~$75/hr labor rate and normal parts markups.
If you are having trouble finding a shop ask around first. Ask a car club like AAA who they send folks to when broken down, OR Google NAPA parts and see what shows for affiliated shops that guarentee their work. Word of mouth from friends, coworkers or whatever is usually a best best. Shops aren't all bad and not all out to get you but so far I'm not liking what I'm hearing from what you are being told,
T
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Product #: AM-34602972
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articulate1
Novice
Feb 19, 2009, 8:00 AM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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Thanks so much for all the advice. Sounds like Ford is trying to stick it to me. Should I try to determine the condition of the engine before doing anything else? If so, how can I find out if my engine has suffered any damage? And if it has, can it be repaired vs. replaced. If the vehicle had suffered any engine damage, would it be noticeable in the performance? The vehicle is still losing coolant but runs as good as new.
I will report back on any recall info.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 19, 2009, 11:13 AM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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Hey - don't blame Ford for one person or a whole place for that either. It needs a diag as to the coolant leak - what it really is and the tech's suggestion for that repair.
Sounds to me like it warned you before any real damage happened - EXCELLENT! These engines can do a lot more than 102k and be dependable - your call on whether you think it's a keeper for a while or not based on tons of things $$ etc.
If you aren't noticing contamination in engine oil with antifreeze things sound good. You said it runs well. A cheaper and easy way to tell on how good an engine is is just looking at the old plugs when new ones are installed. If it's burning some coolant that one should look different (or more) and further testing of overall engine health suggested but if you've been good to it for routine things - oil changing in particular it shouldn't be all worn out.
This may not be what I think it is but if it is I wouldn't trash a whole vehicle just because of that!
******
Do find the right place and even pay for a diagnostic if need be. DO KEEP IT FULL OF MIXED ANTIFREEZE - and carry extra with you. Overheating will open the whole book to other problems that can be avoided.
I wouldn't wait forever to take care of this leak and it will be found - you just need the right help, repair this and be done with this problem,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 19, 2009, 3:56 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: Anti Freeze Disappearing out of Expedition
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W2O; I couldn't help myself. Just watched Deliverance for the 50th time. 
Loren
SW Washington
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