Hello all,

The other day my truck began leaking coolant from the water pump seal. So, i replaced the water pump/seal and put everything back together. I started up the engine and checked for leaks and it seemed fine.

However i started revving the engine up to about 1500 rpm and realized there's coolant in the engine bay, but not the ground. So turned her off and coolant started dripping down to the ground. I noticed the entire fan was soaked in antifreeze and the dripping looked like it was coming from the fan clutch.

When i run the engine at about 1500 rpm it starts flinging antifreeze all over the engine bay.

Any ideas what would cause this to happen? I also hear a bubbling/hissing sound coming from the radiator (like it's overheating or possible air int he system i don't know).

Let me know any possibilities

 

The fan clutch doesn't contain coolant. Double-check all your hose clamps, bolts, etc. I'm betting that ya left something loose.

Ya might want to wait until the expelled coolant dries out so you can identify where it is coming from. Then fire it up, let it idle and wait a bit for the system to heat up and pressurize. If that's okay, then reach over and increase the RPM using the carb linkage to see if any fluid is leaked and hurled about.

 

Maybe you inadvertently "dinged" the radiator during the repair and caused a pinhole leak (assuming you left it in place during the repair).

 

Guess so, I looked at the radiator and i can see where the leak is coming from now. Its spurting fluid right into the fan. Anyway to fix that other than a new radiator?

 

I don't like "fixes in a can" but some Bars stop leak would probably patch it, at least for awhile, a better, and more permanent fix would be soldering the hole shut (if possible).

 

Good call highboy.

If it's from the fins and yer out of money, reach in there and cut the defective tube and crimp both ends by rolling it tightly with long nose pliers.... works in a pinch and offroad in the middle of nowhere.

Otherwise, have it soldered or replace the entire unit.

 

I got lucky HIO.

 

I had the same issue years ago with a '72 I had dropped a wrench and it made a small hole like you are talking about. I have to agree with highboy, I am not a fan of the Bar's leak stuff. I pulled my radiator out and soldered the hole. Most everyone said it wouldn't work. I drove it for several years to come and never leaked another drop. Just don't get wild with the flame when you solder it. But replacing the whole radiator is tossing money away unless its getting brittle and weak on you. Please keep us posted, and a few pictures would be nice, and best of luck.

 

Just about everything on this truck seems brittle and weak! I fix one thing and another issue pops up. I'll pull the radiator sometime this week and see if i can solder it up!

Thanks for the help.

 

That's gonna keep happening, I know it has with mine. I guess just one of the joys of driving a 30+ year old truck that hasn't had a total restoration. LOL

It keeps you on your toes and you never get bored!

 

Well, For some reason the leak stopped. I replaced the radiator cap because the other one was bad and it stopped shortly after. I think that was a coincidence though. As promised a video of the truck running!

1978 f250 custom exhaust - YouTube