1998 Mercury Sable Coolant leaking from engine

It could be a freeze plug, could be intake manifold gasket, could be heater hose. You just need to pressure test the cooling system and follow the leak to it's source. Use a mirror if you have to.

I am going to pull the alternator and other parts off that side of the engine to get a better look (if possible) to try and narrow the location down. This was an out of the blue sort of leak. No rise in temp gage and if it had not been for the steam/smoke seeping out of the hood, I would not have even noticed yesterday. So there is a freeze plug in that general location then? Thanks for your time.

There are freeze plugs on all sides of the engine.

Got the plate off of the side of the engine sort of (only able to pull it out about 3 inches without taking the steering pump off) and there was a freeze plug right behind it and it still was wet. Hooked up air compressor to main radiator hose and had my son cover the other 2 and gave it a slight bump of air and antifreeze shot out of the plug like a super soaker. Next to get that thing out and replace it with an expansion plug I got tonight.

Will be working on removing the plug tomorrow afternoon after work. Will update how it goes.

This was an easy fix after the assy plate was completely removed which was not as easy. I am of the firm belief that engine designers should be made to perform these type of repairs to their creations in 95 degree heat at 90% humidity in indirect sun light with minimal tools in a drive way. I do think afterwards they will put more fore thought into these 65 cent parts that they use in critical parts of the engine. Well at least my 18 year old can now safely drive his "baby"...