Losing coolant on a 4.6 V8

My 2000 4.6HSE has started to use coolant (about a pint every 500 miles). The system seems a bit more pressurised than normal after a run too. My concern is the possibility of a head gasket leaking, or worse a crack in the head or block. There's no sign of water under the engine oil cap, but I've located a minor leak on one of the hose joints, which may just be a weak point on the system.

Can anyone suggest a more optimistic solution or am I faced with the possibility of the head coming off? Has anyone any experience of using Irontite ceramic sealer? Does it work in the way claimed or is it a waste of time?

Thanks

Best idea is to fix the leak if you have found one ! then if it still loses water get a sniff test done. Personaly I would keep away from any miracle additives, the cooling system should be free flowing, not full of gunk.
Oh, and dont take any notice of the diesel boys saying "slipped liner" - (not yet anyway ) rule out all the simple things first before panicking.

That's a really helpful bit of advice. I always like simple practical solutions! Thanks

Out of interest, have you checked the drivers side footwell carpet for damp ?

The footwell is dry as a chip. I sorted out the O-ring on the heater a couple of year's ago (if that's what your suggesting) - what a pig!

My old Rangie is also using a bit of coolant these days, but I'm pretty sure its a elderly radiator with slight coolant loss rather than the doom and gloom brigade. Mine is still towing heavily and doing long cross-country journeys fully laden with plugs burning well and superb engine performance, averaging about 18.5MPG across the board. No sign of the dreaded frothy oil cap. I just check the coolant frequently and will have a new rad installed as soon as I can arrange it. Original engine, over 120K miles with me for past 5 years, but no LPG which is arguably why it hasn't had major probs. Also very frequent oil changes and lots of TLC. I'd concentrate on the sealing the cooling system carefully before stressing about cracked blocks etc but I know how you feel as all the goings on on the forum had me very paranoid about my Rangie the last few weeks!!!!

Guess what, you've made me feel a whole lot better! I've been doing quite a bit of towing lately with no ill effects - the engine runs as sweet as a nut and there's nothing nasty under the oil filler cap. Your experience is very comforting. Thanks a bunch!