Where is this leaking from?

[Button]

Hey guys, after 5 years I finally got my 510 running and driveable. I should have it registered and insured tomorrow. Anyways, when I jack up the front end (so the front tires are ~1 foot off the ground) I get what appears to be a little coolant leaking from the back of the engine down the tranny connector plate. It doesn't leak when the car is flat. Any ideas why this is doing this?

Thanks.

Chris

[Button]

For some reason the other photos didn't post. Trying again.

[Button]

For some reason it's only attaching one image at a time.

[datzenmike]

Maybe just condensation. Taste it. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste.

Look at the back of the head where it sits on top of the block. Use a flashlight and mirror. See anything?

[Button]

Thanks Mike, sorry Mike I should have been more clear, but when the car is jacked up it will leave a puddle of ~ 3 oz. on the ground after being in that position for a few hours so I don't think its condensation. It is greenish like coolant. Any ideas?

[bertvorgon]

Check all the frost plugs if you can, possibly one was not sealed properly if it turns out to be coolant.

In the picture you can see the frost plug at the back of the motor, seen that before.

[Button]

Thank you, that is what I was fearing. Based on who put the engine together I wouldn't be surprised if that is leaking. Sometime you do get what you pay for - lesson learned there. Since it only leaks when the car is at a pretty steep angle I guess I will live with it for now since the engine is installed. Anyone see an issue with leaving for now as long as I monitor the coolant level?

[bertvorgon]

You MIGHT get away with some rad sealant for short term use. When the engine comes out next you do a good flush of the cooling system.

Are you sure the rad level is up? Silly question but maybe it is the water level in the block would maybe be low!

[Button]

I just checked and the fluid is a little low, I will top it off. The radiator sealant is not a bad idea, I will look in to that. Radiator fluid has been my nemesis, when I first got the car running i had a leak at the heater that ruined my carpet.

Also Bert a few years ago you gave me good advice to run a hobbs oil pressure switch for emergency loss of oil pressure and I love having that light in there in addition to the oil pressure gauge. Good peace of mind. I appreciate all of the help.

Chris

[66DUCE]

Nice looking Datto, and nice Nova wagon! I have a 66 hard top. Putting stop leak in the cooling system is not the best idea as it plugs up small passages in the cooling system at the same time. Get someone to pressure test the cooling system and use a mirror to make sure it is not leaking from somewhere easier to fix (hose, fitting etc.) coolant can spray/leak in weird ways sometimes. Best to confirm where it is leaking from before tearing into it. If it is leaking from inside the bell housing I would pull the trans as that is less work (not like pulling the engine is alot of work).

[Button]

Good eye realizing that was a Nova. I love the 66 body style as well. Good points, I will get out the mirror and spend some more time looking for the cause of the leak.

thank you

[datzenmike]

If there is a leak, the coolant level will drop over time till it's below the hole. Then when you raise the front, it drips out. It might even run down along something to get where you see it.


If you place some cardboard under the engine, top up the rad fully and run the engine at idle you'll probably find it.