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Found a weird coolant leak pattern on a 2018 Ford Escape in the shop today

It's only dripping from the lower radiator hose clamp when the engine is cold, but stops completely once it's warmed up. The clamp looked tight, but I swapped it anyway and the leak came back after the car sat overnight. Has anyone seen this on the 1.5L EcoBoost motor before? Wondering if the plastic thermostat housing is warping.
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3 Comments
hunt.kevin
hunt.kevin2mo ago
That "stops when warm" thing is a real head scratcher. I've seen plastic housings do weird stuff with temperature changes. You're probably on the right track checking that thermostat housing.
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the_jade
the_jade2d ago
2018 Ford Escape and a coolant leak that only happens when it's cold, sounds like the car is just being dramatic for attention. Plastic thermostat housings on these do warp when they get old, and the 1.5L likes to play tricks like that. You could try a pressure test while it's cold or just brace yourself for the inevitable housing swap.
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john648
john6482mo ago
My own car's thermostat housing is held together with hope and zip ties.
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