Now A Major Coolant Leak? DAMMIT!

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 06 Oct 2024, 13:40

OK...So I got the alternator issue resolved. So I figured since I replaced the alternator, I'd go ahead and replace the thermostat housing while I was at it. The thermostat was indeed broken. Buttoned everything up, refilled the coolant...and i'll be damned if there is a really bad coolant leak coming out of the back/bottom of the motor. I pulled the intake again just to see if the thermo housing was leaking, but it's dry. This looks REALLY bad. Possible major repair, yes?
https://youtu.be/mT5RJqpfmtc

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Oct 2024, 13:46

The chance of this happening the moment after you fix a related part of the cooling system is pretty remote. You sure you got everything buttoned up?

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 06 Oct 2024, 14:19

Yes, the first thought was that I indeed miss something, so I tore out the intake again and triple checked the thermostat housing along with the lower radiator hose clamp(drained via that since the petcock seems to be clogged...apparently a well known issue). Looking further at the rear of the engine, it is in relative proximity to the turbo. It is most definitely nowhere close to where I was working. The only parts I replaced were the thermostat housing and the alternator. I know leaks can "travel", but this looks to be clearly from the rear of the engine. Possible turbo coolant line?

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 06 Oct 2024, 16:35

After further research, it looks as if the leak is directly under where the water pump is located. Of course, I have no way of laying eyes on the pump/location without some sort of disassembly.

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Oct 2024, 18:01

Mechanic's mirrors are cheap and generally findable at O'Reilly's/NAPA and even Staples/Office Depot stores.

This one has LEDs in it https://www.amazon.com/Telescoping-Ligh ... 1265137011

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 06 Oct 2024, 19:10

Turns out I have an Autel MV400 scope that I forgot I purchased many moons ago. Gonna have a look around with the camera tomorrow.

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 07 Oct 2024, 14:23

Well, didn't see much with the scope, but I decided to disassemble the air box and battery case....Annnnnnnd...

Ran my fingers under the pump and pulled back wet fingers. What are the odds of the water pump failing just as I replaced the thermostat and alternator?
https://youtube.com/shorts/HfItD6pN1RQ

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Oct 2024, 20:34

Ugh. I think you found the outer envelope of automotive problem probability.

pinegrovedave · Post by **pinegrovedave** » 07 Oct 2024, 20:55