I have a strange coolant loss issue. Sometimes when I get to a stop light the car will studder and a few seconds later I will smell the coolant. Once you give it gas to take off from the light it starts running fine, at the next light it wont do it. I just changed the t-stat and gasket, thinking it was that bit it is still doing it. I dont see any fluid on the ground.

 

I would start with making sure the system is full and properly bled, then doing a leak down test on the cooling system and testing the expansion tank cap. If that checks out then I would do a compression and leak down test on the cylinders as you may have a head gasket or head problem.

 

Do they have special tools for a leakdown test for the cooling system? If I had a head problem or head gasket problem wouldn't there be other tell tale signs? Coolant in the oil or my camaro smoked like all get out when the head gasket blew on it?

 

Check with an Advance Auto or AUTOZONE to see if they have loaner coolant pressure testers. In addition to the excellent advice given above, you might have a crack in your thermostat housing that went undetected.

 

What psi should I go to with the pump? I was thinking 15-20 like a radiator cap?

 

That's sufficient. You want to pump up the tester to a value and then see if it hold over time. If there's a gross leak, it will drop immediately. If it's a very small leak, you may need to watch it for an hour or more.

 

Today I put enough pressure in the system to just cause the cap to release. The noise is coming from behind the radiator. Seen some coolant dripping off the shield under the car also. So if I have the front removed, I want to replace anything I can as far as the coolant system is concerned. What all do I need?
Water pump and o-ring
Water pump flange and o-ring
I have read about another plate back there that can leak also but dont know a part number.
Also would you guys stick with genuine mini parts or go with another?

 

I would say start with finding out what the leak is before you stock up on parts that you may not need.

Could be anything from a waterpump to a waterpump flange o-ring, block off plate o-ring, radiator, hose (if not properly aligned chaffing occurs around the waterpump area), or if you wanna get really crazy a failed head gasket! (Not likely)

 

I took it all apart last Sunday and by the time i was done the entire engine block was covered with coolant!! Lol. But before I took the water pump off I could see the it was wet by the water pump flange. So I will be buying a waterpump and flange tomorrow. As much as I like driving my wifes f-150, I miss my cart!!