Leaks coolant

2002 LINCOLN LS
96,700 MILES • 3.0L • V8 • AUTOMATIC
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MADBETTER CANDI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Bad coolant leak. Doesn't overheat and the reserve is usually full. Leaks when running. gradually getting worse and the smell is terrible. What might it be?
Apr 27, 2021 at 4:12 PM
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HARRY P
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 2,292 POSTS
Hello, I'm Harry. Honestly the are several possibilities. The best thing you can do is to borrow a cooking system pressure tester from the local parts store. You'll refill your radiator and hook up the tester to your radiator or overflow reservoir and pump up the pressure. Pump the pressure up to 16 PSI for your car. Now just look for the leak. You'll see it and/or hear it in a hurry.

This is our general guide on the process:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Start there. Take pictures of wherever the leak is. Both zoomed in and zoomed out to include surrounding equipment. Upload they pictures and we'll see what is leaking and we'll go from there.

When performing the test, be sure to check the floorboards under the dashboard if you can't find anything under the hood.

Good luck.
Apr 27, 2021 at 7:34 PM