Coolant leaking
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Coolant leaking
Hi every one.
I have a problem that to me looks pretty serious. I noticed the coolant leaking from under my 94 Aerostar and after crawling under it, I found that the coolant is leaking from the front of the bellhousing.
Any Ideas as to what could be causing this?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
I have a problem that to me looks pretty serious. I noticed the coolant leaking from under my 94 Aerostar and after crawling under it, I found that the coolant is leaking from the front of the bellhousing.
Any Ideas as to what could be causing this?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
What engine do you have? It sounds like a freeze plug leak from the back of a 3.0 liter engine. Check to see if it is one of the plugs in the back of the heads; open the dog house cover to look. If it is, you can probably replace it right there. Otherwise, you will have to drop the transmission to get to the back of the engine. That involves removing a lot of part, but not impossible. (I've done it a couple times myself.)
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Re: Coolant leak
Thanks for the reply. Yes it is a 3.0 engine. I removed the dog house and both the freeze plugs I see on the back side look fine. I don't see any leakage from them. I removed the starter and I can see the water leaking down from inside the bellhousing. I felt all around the top of the bell housing as best I could, but didn't feel anything wet on the outside. I have checked the tranmission fluid and the oil and neither one have water in them.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
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From: Southern California
Hi Hamesfive,
Welcome to our FTE forum
I think it's the freeze plug on the rear of the engine.
One question, did you ever run straight water in the van? If not, how often do you change the coolant?
Welcome to our FTE forum
I think it's the freeze plug on the rear of the engine.
One question, did you ever run straight water in the van? If not, how often do you change the coolant?
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New User
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It was mostly water. I think it has been about a year and half since the coolant was changed, maybe a little longer.
How many freeze plugs are on the back of the engine? I see two and they both look fine.
How many freeze plugs are on the back of the engine? I see two and they both look fine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
1 or 2 inside bell housing behind flex plat/flywheel on back end of block
if one has rusted thru, all are suspect and not to be trusted....
the ones on the back externally that are easily visible are the back ones on each head
if one has rusted thru, all are suspect and not to be trusted....
the ones on the back externally that are easily visible are the back ones on each head
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re: Coolant leaking
So it is possible for the freeze plug(s) that are located in bellhousing to be leaking from rust. I had to replace one of the external ones some time last summer. I am assuming the only way to replace the freeze plug(s) inside the bellhousing is to remove the transmission, is this correct?
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern California
If you are running straight water, that's the reason for the rust. I have owned lots of cars, and I have never seen a rusted freeze plug unless you have a lot of salt corrosion on the road. But if you put in just water, they would rust out in a matter of months, not years.
I'd replace all the freeze plugs now before you get stranded on the road. Upon replacing the plugs, flush the cooling sytem thoroughly and put in 50/50 mix of antifreeze.
And unfortunately, you are correct. The transmission must be removed, along with the flex plate before you can get to those freeze plugs in the rear. It's a lot of work for just a couple of lousy freeze plugs that costs $1 each.
I'd replace all the freeze plugs now before you get stranded on the road. Upon replacing the plugs, flush the cooling sytem thoroughly and put in 50/50 mix of antifreeze.
And unfortunately, you are correct. The transmission must be removed, along with the flex plate before you can get to those freeze plugs in the rear. It's a lot of work for just a couple of lousy freeze plugs that costs $1 each.
Last edited by copper_90680; Sep 10, 2006 at 01:00 AM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
do NOT mess with a stop leak product....corroded freeze plugs will blow out and destroy your engine from overheating...all in block and heads have to be replaced pronto asap today
freeze plugs rust/corrode from the inside out due to corrosives that build up in coolant....good reason to change coolant every 2 years before it costs one buco bucks in damage, destroys radiators, hoses, water pumps, thermostatsl, heater cores, blocks, heads and will eat into tranny cooler and destroy tranny
midwest owners do face salt corrosion
tap water is like pouring battery acid into the radiator
use only distilled or deionized water from grocery store
CHEAP
replace with brass or stainless steel freeze plugs if you can find them....coat inside and edges with liquid gasket sealer....install freeze plug then coat outside with same goop.....will never corrode out again
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/Permatex_Super_300_Form-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm
freeze plugs rust/corrode from the inside out due to corrosives that build up in coolant....good reason to change coolant every 2 years before it costs one buco bucks in damage, destroys radiators, hoses, water pumps, thermostatsl, heater cores, blocks, heads and will eat into tranny cooler and destroy tranny
midwest owners do face salt corrosion
tap water is like pouring battery acid into the radiator
use only distilled or deionized water from grocery store
CHEAP
replace with brass or stainless steel freeze plugs if you can find them....coat inside and edges with liquid gasket sealer....install freeze plug then coat outside with same goop.....will never corrode out again
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/Permatex_Super_300_Form-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Sep 10, 2006 at 07:53 AM.
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Re: Coolant leaking
Thanks for all the replys. I sure have learned a lot from the post. I guess i'll be putting my van in the shop, because I don't have the skills or the tools to tackle dropping the transmission by myself. I have a few friends that say they will help, but seem to be too busy when I do ask. I am hoping that the AAMCO transmission shop just a few blocks from my house will be will to do the work for me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
don't go to a tranny shop....their rates are higher....take it to your local mechanic that you trust...he can and will pull back tranny and replace the freeze soft plugs
tranny does NOT have to be dropped...just slid back...30 minute job on lift
tranny does NOT have to be dropped...just slid back...30 minute job on lift
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Re: Coolant Leaking
Well I'm back on the road again. Both the freeze plugs on the back of the block inside the bellhousing had holes rusted through them. Thanks again for all the great replies to my post.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Thats why I buy premixed coolant, don't have to fool with mixing, and it prevents problems associated with tap water. If I do mix, I use RO water since we have a good RO filter and it is worlds better than the cleanest tap water.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
Khan! To prevent problem, just boil water before mixing.... I replaced all the freeze plugs with made of stainless steel (in block) and of bronze (in cyl. heads)....
The other way to prevent rust - to cover inner surface with RTV germetic.... Helps too.
The other way to prevent rust - to cover inner surface with RTV germetic.... Helps too.