Help with coolant leak
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From: S.C.
Help with coolant leak
I have a very slow leak where the timing chain cover bolts to the engine block ("71" 302) When I drive it doesn't spray or leak however when it sits it will seep out after about 5-6 days there is enough coolant in the little pocket below the intake neck to fill the pocket about 1-2 oz. Do you think BAR or another brand sealant will work.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
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leak
I think you already know the answer. BAR will work as a temporary fix but you or your mechanic will eventually have to dig into it. It does't sound like a real serious issue but might become one. Hard to tell how many times your '71 has been worked on and if good quality gaskets and new bolts used. Welcome to world of maintenance.
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From: S.C.
I figured I needed to put a new gasket on the timing cover; I just tore the top end down a few months ago to put on better heads, if only it was leaking before then...it's just to much work for such a small problem however, I'll get it done before the summer.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,165
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From: Burbank, WA
If you've got a leaky gasket, you'll be far better off to replace the gasket and cure the problem than to try putting a band-aid on a broken arm. If you see water on top of the timing chain cover, it's more likely coming from the water neck on the front of the intake. It could be a weepy gasket there, (very common) or a leaky hose. You might double check the clamps for tightness. The only place there's water between the timing cover and block is two small passages where the water passes from the water pump. The water pump itself is the other likely leak spot. Both of those are very easy fixes and can be done in an hour. Make sure you really know where the water is coming from before you tear into anything.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
+1, been there done that. That 90-deg bypass hose is a prime suspect.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Olive Branch,Ms
The motor I am using is a 302 out of a 78. I had a drip which was hard to find. My ended up being at the water pump. The pump had two gaskets. The front gasket was leaking making the coolant hard to tell where it was coming from. The pump has a plate in it with a gasket which seals it to the pump itself, then there's the gasket which seals the pump to the motor.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: SE IA
I don't think stop leak will help. Your timing cover could be leaking where you suspect it is. If you have to remove the timing cover don't be surprised if you break a bolt or two. Corrosion between the metal bolts and aluminum timing cover can be a real pain. Good luck.
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From: Moyie, BC Canada
I had an chromed aftermarket thermostat housing one time that I couldn't stop from leaking. It turned out that the flat surface were the gasket goes was warped from new.
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From: Northville, MI
I have a very slow leak where the timing chain cover bolts to the engine block ("71" 302) When I drive it doesn't spray or leak however when it sits it will seep out after about 5-6 days there is enough coolant in the little pocket below the intake neck to fill the pocket about 1-2 oz. Do you think BAR or another brand sealant will work.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
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From: S.C.
I went back and searched for the source of the leak and it turned out to the coming from the bottom of the thermostat housing (chrome). It was really difficult to get to one bolt I had to move the distributor. Also had difficulties getting it back on ruined one gasket and went for another and used nonharding sealant, it took a while but I got it all back together. I haven't went for a drive yet due to rain I'll get to it on Monday.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
I went back and searched for the source of the leak and it turned out to the coming from the bottom of the thermostat housing (chrome). It was really difficult to get to one bolt I had to move the distributor. Also had difficulties getting it back on ruined one gasket and went for another and used nonharding sealant, it took a while but I got it all back together. I haven't went for a drive yet due to rain I'll get to it on Monday.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
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From: Moyie, BC Canada
I went back and searched for the source of the leak and it turned out to the coming from the bottom of the thermostat housing (chrome). It was really difficult to get to one bolt I had to move the distributor. Also had difficulties getting it back on ruined one gasket and went for another and used nonharding sealant, it took a while but I got it all back together. I haven't went for a drive yet due to rain I'll get to it on Monday.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
Thanks to everyone for giving me some ideas, I really didn't want to pull the timing cover & pulley.
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
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From: paradise, northern calif.
I have a chrome thermostat housing that seals with an o ring, instead of a gasket ,and I have not had a leak during the 6 years its been on. I may have used a littel gasket sealer for insurance.
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