Daily Driver leaking coolant all over...

[1973mach1]

I use a 1994 v6 Mustang as a daily driver and recently I noticed the heat doesn't work most of the time, I added some coolant and it seemed to work for a day or so then stopped working again. Today I see stuff dripping from under the car and realize its water and coolant comming from somewere on the front of the engine I just cant tell were. Its dripping pretty good. I drove to autozone today to get some parts for the 73' and on the way home the temp guage started getting high then suddenly dropped down to cool again. I dont think its the headgaskets they were replaced under 5k miles ago by Ford under recall when they died on me. I hope its nothing serious or my Mach 1 will never get done. Anyone have any guesses what it might be? Water pump maybe? I hope the blocks not cracked. Sorry its not a question about a Classic.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[SuperDave]

You can often find the leak by pressurizing the cooling system with a hand pump. Most any radiator shop can do this or you can BUY such a pump from NAPA. Leaks will be evident if pressure is applied.

Could be a simple mattet like a leaking hose or a thermostant gasket or the expansion aka "freeze plugs which aren;t so simple.

 

[John Z]

Going from a high temp to a low temp in a hurry is a good indication you have air in the coolant system. Not a suprise since you have an obvious cooling leak. However, the point I wanted to make is take care of this problem NOW! Overheating is a sure way to develop a need for a new engine.

 

[1973mach1]

Ok thanks guys, I might try throwing on a water pump tommorow and see how that goes.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[SuperDave]

Ok thanks guys, I might try throwing on a water pump tommorow and see how that goes.

Thanks,
Jim

Do as you like, but "throwing on water pump" seems pointless unless the pump is the problem. If the pump is leaking fluid it will normally show where the fan shaft enters the pump housing.

When I was in the parts biz, I loved to sell parts to people experimenting with solutions, Like the DuraCel bunny, they "keep coming, coming, coming............ Oh, the $$$$$$$$$.

 

[2nd Mustang]

. If the pump is leaking fluid it will normally show where the fan shaft enters the pump housing.

Do I hear the "weep hole" explanation about to surface again?

 

[1973mach1]

Thanks guys. I'll try to get one of those pumps so I can see were its leaking from.


Jim

 

[SuperDave]

Do I hear the "weep hole" explanation about to surface again?

No, I thought that had been long forgotten but, if cleaned up, it IS appropriate.

 

[SuperDave]

Thanks guys. I'll try to get one of those pumps so I can see were its leaking from.


Jim

Unless you are going to use the pump often, just having the leak found by a radiator shop is less espensive.

 

[LMan]

....so is there an inside joke about the 'weep hole?'

 

[2nd Mustang]

....so is there an inside joke about the 'weep hole?'

I guess it would be best if SD explained this one, since he originated the idea.

 

[SuperDave]

The "weep hole" reference refers to the small hole under the pump housing. It allows coolant to escape if the front pump seal is leaking. Beyond that, I choose NOT to acknowledge the reference implied 2nd Mustang.