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Mystery Leak

  • Thread starter Thread starter plantmeister
  • Start date Start date Apr 1, 2017
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    foxbody leak water pump

plantmeister

Active Member
Dec 17, 2016
87
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28
FL
Apr 1, 2017
#1
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • #1
Among many leaks I've already identified, there's one I can't figure out. I'll post pictures to help illustrate.
It appears that there's an oil-like leak on the left top of the water pump housing. I can see where it's accumulated and dropped down the front. It starts just next to the seal and I haven't been able to locate anything above it that's damp. Its smell is very faint and I can't identify, but it's oil colored.
I'm aware that my valve cover gaskets are leaking, but this is a drip coming from somewhere I can't figure out.
Is there an oil line somewhere or another component above or nearby that could be causing this?

For background, the ac system has a leak and ran out its freon. At all times, there is an odd chemical smell coming from the front passenger side near the radiator and close to this leak. I don't know if any of this is linked, but just in case. It looks to me like the water pump had been replaced recently, from the massive amount of gasket sealer, and I've replaced the radiator and most of the lines already with new ones.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,868
10,542
203
polk county florida
Apr 1, 2017
#2
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • #2
Could it be leaking where the timing cover meets the block at the top?
Corner of the intake at the transition where it meets the head?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Apr 1, 2017
#3
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • #3
Timing cover leak, or dist o ring leak.
 

plantmeister

Active Member
Dec 17, 2016
87
6
28
FL
Apr 1, 2017
#4
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • #4
Checked the timing cover and saw no signs of leaking, as well as the intake. The valve covers are leaking really bad, but at the back of the engine by the firewall.

I didnt think about the distributor o ring. I just replaced the cap and rotor button and the leak only started recently. I wonder if me jostling it started the leak! I'll have to see if I can check it in the morning
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Apr 1, 2017
#5
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • #5
use some spray foot powder to find where the leaks are coming from
 
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