coolant leak

[farmer]

my truck recently sprung a coolant leak and it looked like the thermostat housing, so i replced the thermostat and RTV'd the housing flange. well it looks like the leak is coming from the intake-to-head gasket, and it seems to be leaking good. it isn't smoking so I'll assume the coolant isnt getting into the cylinder. Monday the trucks getting the exhaust manifold gasket replaced, so I'll have him do whatever is needed for the intake.
My questions are: does it sound like just the intake gasket? what other damage may be caused from this? whats the best course of action?

 

[kevinsranger]

the 4.0 ohv is known for the lower intake manifold bolts working their way loose, hopefully thats all it is, it wouldn't suprise me at all!

 

[farmer]

ok thats something to consider. I'll check it when I get home. anybody else?

 

[Big Jim M]

Should be pretty easy to find the EXACT location of a coolant leak.. Why not spend 30 minutes or so LOOKING and stay at it till the leak is found?
Many coolant leaks can be repaired simply by tightning a bolt or hose screw.
Big JIm

 

[farmer]

I DID look at it, it leaks where the intake meets the head, pisses right by the gasket. I was asking more to find out if thats what it appears to be or not. Being that the leak is on the paaenger side behind the alternator mount I didn't know wether or not it was the intake to head, or something else behind everything that I couldn't see. Sorry I am not the expert mechanic you are and have to ask questions before i tear my motor apart.

 

[Big Jim M]

Good!

I DID look at it, it leaks where the intake meets the head, pisses right by the gasket. I was asking more to find out if thats what it appears to be or not. Being that the leak is on the paaenger side behind the alternator mount I didn't know wether or not it was the intake to head, or something else behind everything that I couldn't see. Sorry I am not the expert mechanic you are and have to ask questions before i tear my motor apart.

If you have found it, can you reach the nearest bolts... Even if you have to ALTER a wrench to reach the bolt?
If yes.. It is far easier to make a wrench fit the purpose than it is to take everything apart.
Recently I had an inline Ford six cylinder that was leaking coolant out from under the head. Upon inspection I found the two head bolds nearest that leak to be LOOSE.. I torqued them up to spec and the leak has been stopped for several months..
I like to keep it as simple as I can.
Big JIm

 

[farmer]

I haven't been home yet to check the bolts but when I do get home its going to be the first thing I check