The joys of coolant leaks

[kevinspann]

Ive got one on a 1997 4.0L SOHC, and its coming from the top of the water pump. It looks as though the hose that goes from the thermostat housing to the water pump is the culprit. Has anyone else had this issue? Or are there any other things to look at. This is the most accessable area in the world, so i want to be able to figure it out before i tear too far into things. The damn fan and shroud get in the so much...

 

[budwich]

there are lots of posts in the "area" ... you should be able to determine with a large degree of certainty that it is a hose issue.... as the more common problem is a leaky front motor cover / water cover gasket problem which is a more significant effort problem. To address the problem on an OHV, the engine has to be "lifted" in some form to get at two bolts that are covered by the oil pan which has to be dropped.... not sure about the sohc.

 

[kevinspann]

Well, its coming from what looks to be the base of that hose, and the clamp that was on there is not the factory style clamp, its the worm gear type, making me think its been messed with in the past and is now leaking

 

[budwich]

then you are probably "good to go". sounds like a new hose and some "gook" to seal.

 

[kevinspann]

Thats what im thinking, although it doesnt look too enticing to work on.

Is this the hose?

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=GOO&MfrPartNumber=S60940&PartType=13&PTSet=A