I'm using an engine that had been sitting for a year, but was rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago. I've probably got 2 or 300 miles on it since I've put it in. I had to replace the water pump gaskets since they started leaking, but now the timing chain cover has a leak of radiator fluid out the bottom...I didn't even know that was possible...anybody know what the cause and solution are? To reseal the timing cover do I need to remove the oilpan? The gasket on that doesn't look all that great either, but I need to tackle that another day if possible. I took pictures, I wasn't sure if this was something common or not. Any help would be mucho appreciated! EDIT: here's the pics! the top of the water pump looks like its leaking a bit...I replaced the gasket recently, maybe it needs tightened? Oil looks fine http://http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/johnny1290/IMG_2792.jpg Oh and I have breathers and a pcv valve and no water in the oil(thank god) or oil in the radiator, if that helps. Thanks!!!
Are you absolutely sure it isn't coming from one of the water pump gaskets or from the rear cover of the water pump itself? I cant imagine a scenario in which clean (not oil mixed) water could leak from the timing cover. But I can imagine a hundred scenarios in which it came from the water pump and trickled down to the bottom of the timing cover, looking like the t/c was leaking.
There are no coolant p***ages behind timing cover,are you sure thats where it is leaking from,not the water pump or intake
Man what the heck is going on ...I didn't know if there was maybe a threaded plug like a freeeze plug behind there or something ...OK I'm gonna bust out the pictures...FWIW I also had a friend take a look at it as well....unless one of the freeze plugs is leaking down to the timing cover somehow?!? Anyway let me post some pics...
sometimes you need to put a little sealer on the bolts that hold the waterpump down. But as stated, there are no freeze plugs there. Maybe an intake leak trickling down? Edit!! It looks like the back cover on the WP is leaking..
looks like it's leaking from the rear cover of the water pump, see the drips of coolant there? probably leaking because it's chrome, gasket sealant doesn't like to stick to chrome.
Thanks all and thanks Desert! Well h-e-double hockey sticks! I didn't see the leak coming from the back of the waterpump on the bottom....surely that's the problem... I replaced this gasket a month or so ago, but I didn't use any gaskecinh or any kind of sealant on the bolts, do I need to? I'm also not sure how much to tighten up those bolts, I'm sure I didn't put a lot of torque on them as I don't want to strip 'em out ! So what do you think, just tighten them up a bit and see what happens?!?
Plate on back of waterpump is leaking in pictures.Drain oil and see if any coolant is in pan, and pressure test cooling system with oil drain plug out and see if coolant comes out oil drain hole
Just take it off, and slob a bit of permatex all over the gasket. It does not need to be tons, just enough to cover imperfections. FWIW, I always grind the chrome off any gasket sealing surface. Chrome oil pans, valve covers, etc, always leak.
Flipping chrome...I think my friend spent a couple hundred bucks on that water pump too...well if tightening it a little doesn't help I'll take it off and use a wire wheel on the surface or sand it and then reseal it... I figured for sure the 'fancy' chrome oil pan would leak before anything!!! Thanks all...I'm glad its nothing more than that! The HAMB to the rescue again! Pshew! EDIT: I know I s****ed the back of the waterpump free of gasket/sealant, but I just didn't think of roughing up the surface...won't make that mistake again!!!
. Great pictures, it sure makes it allot easier to help a guy out, than when one just holds their problem up to the phone or modem... Glad you got'er fixed...H
the coolant is coming from the back cover of your water pump. (made in China?) you man not be able to tighten them down enough to stop the leak. Buy a name brand Made in USA pump & use teflon sealant on the bolts.
I've seen a bunch of replacement SBC pumps leak out the back cover due to corrosion recently. Best way to tell where your leak is, is to put a pressure pump on the cooling system and find the leak. PM me, I have a pump, I'll find the leak for you.
Ii'll bet the bearing/seal that's on the shaft is leaking. Get a mirror or crawl under the car so you can see up under the pulley from the back side. There is a weep hole on the bottom of the castingright behind the shaft. Look and see if there is coolant coming from that hole. It's the most common way a Chevy water pump leaks. If it is leaking the pump is junk (needs a complete rebuild). when this happens the coolant will distribute just like yours is doing. Frank
I always scuff up crome anything before affixing it to cast iron to seal better, so I would do this on your water pump before reinstalling. As for what I put on the bolts that hold it in place....white arp thread sealer. Water/coolant can easily seep through these points where you fasten down the water pump. the 4 sbc motors I run are free and clear of this and I swear by the ARP in the correct applications. Thank god it wasnt coming out of your timing cover, you'd have a serius problem....sounded like a "prank" to me....its not even possible.
well its obviously the back cover on the pump leaking and not coming out of your timing cover. and thats a good thing. because if there was coolant coming out of your timing cover you would have one strange *** coolant leak and a big ****ty problem on your hands. i dont even think there is a coolant p***age behind the cam cover..so..
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