'86 6.9 slowly leaking coolant. Leaves a small wet spot occasionally on the passenger side front. There is antifreeze on the fuel pump, crossmember, oil pan, water pump bolt most towards passenger side in middle, and passenger side head gasket toward front of head. Block heater area is dry. It's a very slow leak.

Just spitballing here with pictures while I was under there today. Forum has been slow and it's better than an oil thread right? I know it's greasy and crusty and I need to clean it to get a better idea but the hose is frozen, it's dark, and it's cold. When it gets above freezing I'll degrease it in prep for the fix if not at least for better pictures. I have a new water pump on the shelf and I think I have a thermostat and housing gasket as well. Slightly concerned it may be weeping at the head gasket corners. What say you?

Also, some part of me wants to install a performance cam if I'm taking the water pump off... Thoughts?

 

I would tend to think it's your thermostat housing that's leaking. You don't have any other symptoms that your head gaskets let go, do you? If you're concerned about a blown head gasket you can always get one of the chemical testers to see if there's combustion gases in your coolant. Sometimes you can rent them at auto parts stores:



If you want to install a new cam that's definitely cool. I've read a few threads stating that aftermarket cams are available for our IDIs; however, I haven't heard either high praises or horror stories about them. From my understanding they're sort of a mixed bag. If you do decide to install a cam be careful you don't come down with the MAWs (might as wells).

 

cadunkle how do you degrease your engine? have you ever used one of these? Hotsy Steam Cleaner

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts...389783538.html

I picked up one 3 yrs ago for $750, had the dealer go through it for another $600, nice little unit.
Best way to clean the engine or???

Some times hard to tell where a leak is coming from with all the other crud.


Charlie