Advice on 5.0 Coolant leak - driver's side top

[springer]

Hi,
I've spent a few hours reading "coolant leak" threads, which were interesting, and somewhat helpful, but I found myself compelled to post for additional advice...

I have already replaced the thermostat and gasket, which was leaking. And there is no longer coolant on the top of the block (below the t-stat).

However, there is still a slight leak, and upon further inspection, there is coolant on the top of the block on the driver's side. Its near the corner of the intake manifold and head, but both of those feel dry (at least when cold).

It looks to me like the gasket between the waterpump and block (or timing cover?) is the most likely culpret. I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar problem or if waterpump gaskets were a common failure item (didn't appear so from my reading).

The Ex has 125k on it, and I don't think its been abused - my wife drives it & she's pretty timid with cars (although when I drive it, the mileage improves - LOL!). The car runs fine, and I changed plugs a couple of weeks ago and nothing looked wierd. Also, I change the oil (Mobil 1) and that has always looked fine. The Ex temp has always looked fine (at least by the stock gauge) - no overheating.

I was interested in any opinions, and I should go get a pressure tester and maybe some dye for the system, as well.
This is going to cut into my torquemonster savings fund...
Thanks,
--Michael

 

[Cobraguy]

Well, corrosion can become an issue on high mileage cars. Especially if the coolant hasn't been changed at the recommended intervals. For example, why do you think that front timing covers are such a popular item for 5.0's? You should see some I've seen. Corrosion has eaten them alive. But before you go too far, I would tighten the pump AND intake manifold bolts and make sure none are loose. Then, I would also do a pressure check and see if I can find it. You may get away with just snugging things up.

 

[springer]

Thanks for the advice! I'll take a closer look & try tightning bolts.

If the timing cover needs replacement, does that require removing the oil pan, etc, as if the timing chain were being replaced?
Just curious.

 

[Cobraguy]

You should not have to remove the pan on a 5.0 engine for front cover removal.

 

[Turdle]

Did you apply thread sealer to the long bolts, and accessory bolts? These penetrate into the water jacket and can leak if not sealed-

 

[Stanleyjd]

i got the same problem and its like 900 bucks to fix duno what to do motors got 216k on it trannys got about 30k dont plan on getting rid of the truck.