Antifreeze Leak
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Antifreeze Leak
Hi,
I have a '90 bronco, 5.8 liter. I'm having a problem with an intermitant leak in my cooling system. As far as I can tell, it only leaks when it's been sitting for awhile. I'm including some pictures of the places where the fluid is accumulating:
Two of the pictures were taken in the dark with a flashlight; they are a bit wonky looking. The other was taken the next day, with rags in place to absorb the fluid. My best guess at this point is that it's leaking from the gasket between the water pump and the base plate, and/or between the base plate and the engine block.
I'm concerned that if I try to replace the gasket, the bolts that hold it in may be frozen, and I don't want to shear them off. I'm sure there are no leaking hoses from above that could be contributing to this problem.
Has anyone else had coolant accumulating in the same places? If so, did you determine the cause, and what steps did you take to stop the leak, if any?
Cheers,
Tim
I have a '90 bronco, 5.8 liter. I'm having a problem with an intermitant leak in my cooling system. As far as I can tell, it only leaks when it's been sitting for awhile. I'm including some pictures of the places where the fluid is accumulating:
Two of the pictures were taken in the dark with a flashlight; they are a bit wonky looking. The other was taken the next day, with rags in place to absorb the fluid. My best guess at this point is that it's leaking from the gasket between the water pump and the base plate, and/or between the base plate and the engine block.
I'm concerned that if I try to replace the gasket, the bolts that hold it in may be frozen, and I don't want to shear them off. I'm sure there are no leaking hoses from above that could be contributing to this problem.
Has anyone else had coolant accumulating in the same places? If so, did you determine the cause, and what steps did you take to stop the leak, if any?
Cheers,
Tim
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: South Ga.
It is a common problem with the 5.0 & 5.8 leaking coolant from the timing cover. I've repair quite a few in my career as a tech. Just take your time when removing the bolts and use lots of PB blaster on the bolts. Also look closely at the timing cove where it mates to the block as you may need to have it surfaced or replaced if it is to corrided.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Sorry for the delayed reply; among other things, my brake line decided to spring a leak as well. When it rains it pours...
Thanks for the tips; I'll be sure to PB the bolts good before I take it apart.
So the water pump mounts up against the timing cover, and the cover against the block? I guess that makes sense. The 'common leak' you mentioned though; is that between the timing cover and engine block, or the water pump and timing cover?
I guess another thing I'm wondering is if I can just limp by for a few more weeks; I'm right in the middle of moving, and I'm kind of under pressure to get that done. I don't think I want to take this project on until I'm done moving, but at the same time I don't want to neglect it and end up with a much bigger problem. As long as it's just an annoyance of mopping up a few drops of antifreeze, I can put up with it a little longer.
Thanks for the tips; I'll be sure to PB the bolts good before I take it apart.
So the water pump mounts up against the timing cover, and the cover against the block? I guess that makes sense. The 'common leak' you mentioned though; is that between the timing cover and engine block, or the water pump and timing cover?
I guess another thing I'm wondering is if I can just limp by for a few more weeks; I'm right in the middle of moving, and I'm kind of under pressure to get that done. I don't think I want to take this project on until I'm done moving, but at the same time I don't want to neglect it and end up with a much bigger problem. As long as it's just an annoyance of mopping up a few drops of antifreeze, I can put up with it a little longer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bowman85merc
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Nov 22, 2016 08:18 AM
1_BIGMOFO
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
38
Sep 10, 2015 12:39 AM
Jaime74656
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Jul 28, 2015 11:17 AM
seedpress
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
1
Sep 16, 2010 04:41 PM
