Another coolant leak

[youneek28]

Ok a week ago My ex ran hot so I got it home and it didn't seem to need much water so I went with the easiest thing it could be and changed the thermostat. After that I started to notice water leaking out of the front passenger side of the motor. I looked at the job I did on the thermostat to see if maybe the gasket was pinched or something. I can't feel any water around that seal. Next culprit I thought about was the water pump. Now I assure you I can't see exactly where the water is coming from so i'm guessing. I just changed the water pump with a new one and it is still leaking from the exact same place. So as of now I have replaced a working thermostat and a good water pump.

So the only thing I can think of now is the timing chain cover but I not sure if it comes in contact with the coolant system, or worse the block is cracked. Oh forgot to add that is a 1998 V8

Any ideas? Has anyone had a leak from this area?

 

[Dono]

Check the heater core lines. I also believe there is a valve if you follow the heater core lines. Valve tends to leak, and then blow wide open.

I havn't had this issue myself yet.

 

[youneek28]

Where is the valve located? The water is coming from the front and it rides along the edge of the valve cover then drips off. That bracket that holds the alternator and tensioner pulley on is kind of in the way. I'm just trying to have an idea before I go tearing this thing apart.

Thanks

 

[Dono]

Hmm, The valve is more towards the fire wall. Doesn't sound like that is.

It could still be the heater line where it plugs in to the lower intake manifold though.

 

[stifler27870]

Thought i was the only one with this problem. i heard a small leak after being under the truck today. traced the hoses and found that valve was the culprit. next, when i moved it, boom it blew apart. my question is can it be bypassed? this would only be done until i can get the part.

 

[Richfla]

I would also say heater core/valve, and very unlikely it's the block. You'd blow the head gasket first (how hot did it get, btw?). What about the hoses themselves? And you're adding water and coolant I hope(tho you just said water). I believe that if you run too much water it puts more pressure on the system because it boils/steams.

 

[GodsOutlaw]

Ok a week ago My ex ran hot so I got it home and it didn't seem to need much water so I went with the easiest thing it could be and changed the thermostat. After that I started to notice water leaking out of the front passenger side of the motor. I looked at the job I did on the thermostat to see if maybe the gasket was pinched or something. I can't feel any water around that seal. Next culprit I thought about was the water pump. Now I assure you I can't see exactly where the water is coming from so i'm guessing. I just changed the water pump with a new one and it is still leaking from the exact same place. So as of now I have replaced a working thermostat and a good water pump.

So the only thing I can think of now is the timing chain cover but I not sure if it comes in contact with the coolant system, or worse the block is cracked. Oh forgot to add that is a 1998 V8

Any ideas? Has anyone had a leak from this area?

that about describes the same problem I'm having on my 1992 ex

 

[1998Exp]

Yes, the timing cover has coolant passages for the water pump. They are located in the top corners, and failure of the gasket in that area is common for the V8. If you see coolant pooling just behind the timing cover on top of the block and the thermostat housing and water pump are OK, timing cover gasket is a likely culprit.
To add insult to injury, failure of the gasket often means rusted bolts that may be very difficult to remove without breaking. Resealing the timing cover is is a nasty, time-consuming job, but definitely doable with the right tools and some patience. Search for details on this site (including something that I posted a year ago). Good luck!

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I just changed the water pump with a new one and it is still leaking from the exact same place. So as of now I have replaced a working thermostat and a good water pump.

So the only thing I can think of now is the timing chain cover but I not sure if it comes in contact with the coolant system, or worse the block is cracked. Oh forgot to add that is a 1998 V8

Any ideas? Has anyone had a leak from this area?