2002 Explorer Coolant Leak

[phoenix8]

There is a coolant leak that mainly seems to be spouting from what looks like some sort of distributor right above the water pump. It isn't a steady leak though. There are times when the vehicle is idling and there may be a drip here and there but after just a little bit of driving the coolant starts coming out fairly quickly. After moving it up and down the driveway a couple of times I went through a gallon of water in about 5-10 minutes. I watched the temp gauge rise steady from cold to right around the middle where it stayed so I believe the temp gauge is accurate and the coolant is doing its job. There may be more than one place the water is coming from but whatever is mounted on top of the water pump is definitely a big part of the issue. Maybe a seal is bad? This is a picture of the top of what I'm talking about located on top of the water pump.

...from the side.

...maybe this is just part of the pump but from the videos and pictures I've looked at I don't see this part. Any advice? Thanks -Mike

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMgkj0k8kDdABskLg7PVgTzkpNIXxfqCTjCegPT
Picture of the top
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOVM6rSw26oPzSvqQOy6IzQ8oT9rU_O9wteUpmd

 

[Number Twelve]

This is a well known problem. The thermostat housing leaks. Buy one and install it.