Help with coolant leak

[95Cobra302]

95 Cobra 130k plus miles on factory engine that's almost all original. Have had the car for 23 years. Water pump, timing cover, etc that has never been touched.

Brought it home from errands and noticed puddle of coolant under front driver's side. Looks to be leaking just above oil pan, can't tell if it's coming from the water pump since it's recessed in. Not sure if it's timing cover or head gasket. Pulled dipstick and that's looked good. Any ideas from what y'all can see?

 

[nickyb]

That lower rad hose looks suspect. I would clean it up best you can( brake or carb cleaner) then dry it up., Next run her till she gets hot and start your investigation.
You can add dye, or even pressure test the coolant system but start with basic shot first.

 

[95Cobra302]

Trying to get som better pics.

That lower rad hose looks suspect. I would clean it up best you can( brake or carb cleaner) then dry it up., Next run her till she gets hot and start your investigation.
You can add dye, or even pressure test the coolant system but start with basic shot first.

Ok. Lower hose looks all dry didn't see anything on it but I'll try to clean everything and check. Hoping easy fix.

 

[General karthief]

Although that hose looks kinda crusty I don't see any runs or drops from it, it does need attention but I would pressure test it confirm where the leak is.

 

[95Cobra302]

Ok. I got under and checked the hose good. Don't see anything from it or the water pump. You can see seepage from the timing cover where is mates to the block a few inches above the oil pan.

Although that hose looks kinda crusty I don't see any runs or drops from it, it does need attention but I would pressure test it confirm where the leak is.

 

[Noobz347]

Ok. I got under and checked the hose good. Don't see anything from it or the water pump. You can see seepage from the timing cover where is mates to the block a few inches above the oil pan.

Just rip off that band-aid and do the dealeo.


Get a good look around. New gaskets, hoses, clamps, thread and gasket sealant, and perhaps even a new serpentine belt and A/C clutch (depending how thin it is). Don't forget the 50/50 premix and don't bust open any A/C lines by mistake.

 

[95Cobra302]

No ac, removed it and the smog about 15 years ago. New belt. Weird thing is I've been losing a tiny bit of coolant every couple weeks but never found any leaks anywhere, but you could smell it near the front of the car. Did a pressure check a little bit ago and that came out fine. I thought then it was probably the water pump about to go out soon, since it's darn near 30 years old.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Agree with Noobz. Get a timing chain cover gasket kit and a Motorcraft water pump, The timing chain cover / water pump bolts that clamp the coolant passages have a tendency to corrode so I would have a new set on hand. LMR has them:

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-8501DHDW/Water-Pump-Timing-Cover-Studs-Bolts-50L-58L-Mustsang-94-95

 

[General karthief]

I'm try'n to recall, I've only changed a couple dozen timing covers, the lower bolts on the cover go through into the crank case, I would suspect the water pump leaking at the back.
You need to start with pulling the water pump anyway.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'd replace that hose while you ar there. Looks to be original clamp, so a 30 year old rubber hose is not one i'd trust.

 

[Essn95]

Oil cooler hoses could be seeping as well. I would pressure test again

 

[95Cobra302]

Oil cooler hoses could be seeping as well. I would pressure test again

I deleted the oil cooler setup a long time ago to clean up the engine bay.

 

[95Cobra302]

Oil cooler hoses could be seeping as well. I would pressure test again

I deleted the oil cooler setup a long time ago to clean up the engine bay..

I'm try'n to recall, I've only changed a couple dozen timing covers, the lower bolts on the cover go through into the crank case, I would suspect the water pump leaking at the back.
You need to start with pulling the water pump anyway.

Ok. Id be happy if it was just the water pump. What would explain smelling coolant at the front of the car after driving, and losing a tiny bit of it but not seeing any leaks or drips anywhere? Did this for awhile before it actually started pouring out the other day.

 

[General karthief]

Just a couple drops on a hot engine and that burnt coolant smell is everywhere.

 

[95Cobra302]

Right, what about losing some every time I drive but not seeing a drop anywhere?

 

[General karthief]

Well, it's going somewhere.
Pressure tested yet?

 

[95Cobra302]

Just a couple drops on a hot engine and that burnt coolant smell is everywhere.

Well, it's going somewhere.
Pressure tested yet?

No not yet, cause it's leaking out pretty bad now. Before when I started to smell it and was mysteriously losing a little, I did a pressure test and it was ok.

 

[General karthief]

So, can you see where it's coming from?

 

[95Cobra302]

Not exactly, but just above the timing cover on the driver's side, then dripping down oil pan on front driver side corner.

So, can you see where it's coming from?

 

[95Cobra302]

Just to update everyone, I got it to leak and saw it coming up a bit higher so put my hand to upper right side of timing cover and seemed to leaking from that. Looked to be the coolant passage area from the water pump and timing cover to the block. Quite relieved to find it, pretty positive that is it, so changing out the timing cover gasket should fix it.

Thanks everyone.