Hello, looking for some advice. After replacing heater core I have a small leak at the connection of the heater return pipe (I think that's the proper name - it goes from the heater core tube to the water pump and includes the bleeder valve).
I can see liquid very slowly coming out of the pipe connector just above the water pump and pooling on top of the pump.
It isn't coming from the water pump weep hole, so hopefully the pump is still fine.
I had to open and close the bleeder valve multiple times during the previous work, and I guess I damaged that connection by torquing on the bleeder valve too hard.
With the engine idling and the hood up, I can see a bit of liquid coming out. If I drove for an hour and loss was consistent with what I see, i guess I'd probably lose 20 to 30ml of coolant.
Hoping someone is experienced with this and can let me know:
1. What is the proper term for this pipe. The part is 2R3Z-18663DA or Motorcraft KT23. Thus part is discontinued and I can't find a replacement anywhere online. Dealership can't get it.
2. This pipe only seems to be attached to the water pump by a single bolt. What should I expect when I disconnect it (I don't have another vehicle so need to line up all parts and tools before I start work). Is there a gasket? O-rings? A custom connector?
3. Is this a repair or replace scenario for that pipe? Really dont want to replace as i cant find a new one anywhere. Hoping I can drain coolant, clean the pipe and connection with wire brush, put new oring or whatever and tighten it back down, then cover is with jb weld epoxy to seal it. Is that realistic?
4. How urgent is this? (snow just hit here and I have to do all my work on the driveway - was hoping not to work on car again until spring). Can this lead to catastrophic failure, or will it just remain a slow leak.
Pictures are top down view of waterproof. The wet part of the pipe above is where the coolant is coming out from in drips when car is running.
Thanks for any help.
I can see liquid very slowly coming out of the pipe connector just above the water pump and pooling on top of the pump.
It isn't coming from the water pump weep hole, so hopefully the pump is still fine.
I had to open and close the bleeder valve multiple times during the previous work, and I guess I damaged that connection by torquing on the bleeder valve too hard.
With the engine idling and the hood up, I can see a bit of liquid coming out. If I drove for an hour and loss was consistent with what I see, i guess I'd probably lose 20 to 30ml of coolant.
Hoping someone is experienced with this and can let me know:
1. What is the proper term for this pipe. The part is 2R3Z-18663DA or Motorcraft KT23. Thus part is discontinued and I can't find a replacement anywhere online. Dealership can't get it.
2. This pipe only seems to be attached to the water pump by a single bolt. What should I expect when I disconnect it (I don't have another vehicle so need to line up all parts and tools before I start work). Is there a gasket? O-rings? A custom connector?
3. Is this a repair or replace scenario for that pipe? Really dont want to replace as i cant find a new one anywhere. Hoping I can drain coolant, clean the pipe and connection with wire brush, put new oring or whatever and tighten it back down, then cover is with jb weld epoxy to seal it. Is that realistic?
4. How urgent is this? (snow just hit here and I have to do all my work on the driveway - was hoping not to work on car again until spring). Can this lead to catastrophic failure, or will it just remain a slow leak.
Pictures are top down view of waterproof. The wet part of the pipe above is where the coolant is coming out from in drips when car is running.
Thanks for any help.
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