mystery coolant leak front engine
#1
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mystery coolant leak front engine
I have noticed a small coolant puddle under the front of the engine (belt end) after my car sits all night. Checked the plastic coolant elbows and they are still sealed up (thanks for the RTV tip guys). I pulled the water pump pulley and the WP housing seems dry. Is it possible for a leak to develop between the block and the front engine cover? I've had her up on a lift and even with a flash light I can't figure out where this is coming from; I see green on the oil pan but cannot figure out where it is coming down from. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
-Shawn
Thanks,
-Shawn
#2
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The most likely culprit is the water pump, what car is it btw?.
It'* quite possible it only leaks when the engine is hot and the cooling system has some pressure in it which goes after cooling down overnight.
You will need a pressure tester to check it out properly.
Get the engine up to temperature and pump 15lbs of pressure in the system and have another look.
Leaks can develop in any part of the system but the water pump is normally the weakest link.
Roger.
It'* quite possible it only leaks when the engine is hot and the cooling system has some pressure in it which goes after cooling down overnight.
You will need a pressure tester to check it out properly.
Get the engine up to temperature and pump 15lbs of pressure in the system and have another look.
Leaks can develop in any part of the system but the water pump is normally the weakest link.
Roger.
#3
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True Car Nut
If the leak is in the general area of the harmonic balancer, it sound like a water pump. Like Roger said, it may now leak until under pressure.
#4
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True Car Nut
Worst case scenario, you can throw some UV dye in your cooling system, and you will find it very quickly with a black light, especially at night.
Actually, that is kind of fun doing that.
Actually, that is kind of fun doing that.
#5
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Water doesn't enter the engine cover anywhere but to and from the water pump. Now..with that said, it is at the cover to the sides of the pump. And yes..it can leak there. If the pump itself is dry, the elbows and LIM edges are dry. Then it'* likely your issue.
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I'm now current on the front cover job. Its not that bad. 5 hours total invested in the job I just did. The gaskets were cheap. Cover gasket comes off easy, oil filter adapter gasket took some effort.
#7
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you may also want to check under the plastic cover, remove the oil spout by unscrewing the entire shaft and lift towards you the cover, with that said and done, look towards the driver side and you will see the thermostat, mine had a small leak after the pressure was off, i went crazy looking and found that my 2000 Bonneville SE had the issue on the thermostat gasket, and leaked very little onto the heads and fell down towards the middle of the engine on the floor, at first i thought condensation but it happen too many times..
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