2003 Leak behind front wheel

[MoonFrog]

There is an interment leak about a foot behind the left front wheel that started a couple of weeks ago. It's not a lot (about 6 inches), is yellowish, not oily, feels more like water and has no odor. It doesn't happen every time I drive and park, and it doesn't leak while sitting. All checkable fluids are good, I thought it was the A/C, but the A/C is always on (I'm in MS near the Gulf) so to me if it was the A/C, it would have been leaking all the time I've been here; about 4 months. Before I take it to a mechanic, I'd like to know what I’m dealing with. Thanks in advance for any insight/help.

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[Paladin]

still sounds like it could be a/c, but easiest way to find out is to check next time you park her, lay down and watch the flow, you will see where it's coming from. A/c drain could have just been plugged for a bit.

 

[edward301]

Sounds like your radiator coolant overflow bottle is leaking.

 

[Azstar]

My thought is also coolant bottle. Age related they crack.Pain in the butt to replace.

 

[Earthrider]

I agree with Edward, I’m pretty sure it’s the coolant recovery or “Degas” bottle. I replaced the one in my 2005 two summers back that had the identical symptoms. Regarding whether it is engines coolant versus something else, color of the leakage is telltale as well as noting any change of the fluid level in the bottle with a cool engine. These bottles are available at many retailers with a number of aftermarket knock offs. The OEM is a Dorman product if I'm correct. There is a metal aftermarket option that appears to be a possibly better option for durability however I chose the plastic OEM Dorman for visible monitoring of the coolant level. The aforementioned metal design requires removing the cap and looking in the opening with a flashlight, not a good idea with a hot engine.

 

[cochon]

I agree with Edward, I’m pretty sure it’s the coolant recovery or “Degas” bottle. I replaced the one in my 2005 two summers back that had the identical symptoms. Regarding whether it is engines coolant versus something else, color of the leakage is telltale as well as noting any change of the fluid level in the bottle with a cool engine. These bottles are available at many retailers with a number of aftermarket knock offs. The OEM is a Dorman product if I'm correct. There is a metal aftermarket option that appears to be a possibly better option for durability however I chose the plastic OEM Dorman for visible monitoring of the coolant level. The aforementioned metal design requires removing the cap and looking in the opening with a flashlight, not a good idea with a hot engine.

OEM is Dorman? Doesn't seem likely ... especially given the posted experience of our Lincoln LS friends (same cooling system) that have panned the Dorman bottle pretty hard for poor longevity.

At least the OEM motorcraft still looks to be available. Another plus for it ... the OEM part also comes with new hoses pre-fitted to the plastic bottle. Makes the job much easier given that the lower hose is essentially unaccessible where it connects to the bottom of the degas bottle, and thus has to be removed on the other end where it connects near the firewall to the metal hose assembly.

 

[Earthrider]

Well, when I purchased my Ford Motorcraft OEM “Degas” bottle from a reliable supplier it came in a box labeled as such and the bottle was labeled as Dorman with the hoses attached. Also, the failed unit I removed from the car was labeled as Dorman. Lastly, a replacement cap that I purchased from a Ford dealership a couple years previously in Motorcraft packaging was a Dorman product. I will agree that the longevity of these units is poor.