Help!!Coolant leak,and it's annoying

[BLADDER92FOX]

Just like someone posted earlier,i also have a coolant leak in my car. First it was about 1 to almost 2 months till my coolant light came on. Then it got down to 1 month and the coolant light came on with no signs of leaks. I found out that my hose from the heater core to the water pump was leaking cause i saw it drip onto valve cover,so i replaced it. Now after i see coolant under that car,but i have no idea where its coming from. Some how there a small tiny puddle of coolant that to the lfet side part behind the water neck and above the water pump. Could it be a gasket leak? and what tests can i do to find this leak,it getting real annoying and expensive adding coolant all the time. Will a pressure test find the leak?

 

[iskwezm]

a pressure tester should pinpoint the leak,just put it to abbout 15-17 psi and start searchin.

 

[BLADDER92FOX]

Actually how much are those pressure test things?,i think i should have one for myself.

 

[90mustangGT]

You can get a basic one at most parts stores. Be carefull with the pressures, heater cores are very fragile.

 

[BLADDER92FOX]

Today after i parked at work i got under the car and saw the antifreeze dripping from under car car,when i went to check it was dripping from the passenger side of the block. I think maybe a head gasket might be leaking. Does this affect oil pressure cause my pressure is perfect.

 

[srothfuss]

Where from the head was it leaking (bwtween what cylinders) It's probably a gasket but we / I am going to need more information to help out.

how many miles?
Any mods (non in signature)
recent work done to your car?
Have you checked your oil for coolant?

 

[LX302]

It could also be the water pump bearing as there is a hole in the bottom of the housing, and maybe it is following the block to the left side of the car. It could also be the timing cover as well.
Get up under the car and take a closer look.

 

[wht93gtEd]

that water pump bearing could be a possibility...but they usually sound like cement mixers when they go.

look for hoses that are wet on the ends too. the gasket between the water neck and intake sometimes go bad...have you changed your t-stat lately?

 

[BLADDER92FOX]

I changed my t-stat about a year ago. Tomorrow hopefully i can get things resolved cause i'm going to take it to get checked and also my timing,i'm glad its my day off finally.

 

[BLADDER92FOX]

Theres always a small pool of water by the passengerside underneath the alternator bracket/waterneck.

 

[jrichker]

Today after i parked at work i got under the car and saw the antifreeze dripping from under car car,when i went to check it was dripping from the passenger side of the block. I think maybe a head gasket might be leaking. Does this affect oil pressure cause my pressure is perfect.

The lower head bolts go directly into the water jacket. If they don't have sealer on them, they will seep coolant. The fix is to locate the leaking bolt. If you have more than one leaking, remove only one bolt at a time. Remove the leaking bolt(s) and coat the threads with Teflon pipe dope (available from Lowes or Home Depot) and put it back in. Torque to specs, 70 ft/lbs and you are good to go.

 

[rd]

A small block Ford is capable of an amazing amount of water leaks..


Tighten all of you heater hoses and radiator hoses. Check the waterpump bypass hose closely.

Check for cracks in the hoses, especially at the clamps.

The thermostat gasket. Check the core plugs.

Note that the lower head bolts go into the water jacket, and are the source of some coolant loss. This seems to be the normal long term loss path.

Carefully clean and dry the water pump area, drive the car and see if that is the source.

My 79 Capri, with 3 different engine blocks, has used coolant at about the rate of a half quart every two months since the day I got it in 1981! Last week, I found the hose clamps on the heater hoses seeping, from my Feb heater core change, after adding close to a gallon of coolant over the last month. But a 265k miles, it is ok with me.