Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Fixed :)

Posted By: BeBeep

Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Fixed :) - 06/16/10 10:53 PM

I installed the engine, trans, and radiator and all the related lines, hoses, fluids, etc. The next day I noticed a small puddle of antifreeze under the car. I crawled under the car and there was a drop of antifreeze coming from the hole at the bottom of the access panel on the bell housing. It seemed like a weird location but I could not seem to see where it was exactly leaking from.

The car is a 4 speed with a 383. Any ideas on where the leak could be coming from? I am hoping the same thing has happened to others and the mystery will be solved.

Thank you in advance.

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/16/10 11:11 PM

Quote:

Any ideas.

BB's have no rear freeze plugs like a SB does. Have you taken the inspection cover off yet to see what you see?

Posted By: Supercuda

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/16/10 11:14 PM

Hmm, coolant does not go thru the manifold, so it's not leaking there and dripping down. Head gasket??? I forget if there is a freeze plug in the back of the head.

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/16/10 11:21 PM

Quote:

I forget if there is a freeze plug in the back of the head.

Meant to say not in the bell face area, correct there is one in the back of the head(s)

Posted By: 440newport

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/16/10 11:23 PM

Could it be coming from one of your exhaust studs/bolts and running down the back of the engine?

Posted By: BeBeep

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/16/10 11:58 PM

I did not think the block had a freeze plug so it is good to know it does not. I have not taken anything off yet. I need to get it up on the lift and investigate more.

I will check out the stud, manifold, and heads for leaks.

I hope to do that Thursday evening.

Posted By: BeBeep

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/19/10 10:38 PM

Well today we investigated the leak and believe we have found the problem. It appears that when the headers were installed the the bolts should have had sealant applied to them. This was a critical step that was accidentally overlooked.

We looked at the manual and it confirmed that there are water jackets (or whatever they called them) behind the studs in the heads.

We removed each bolt and applied hi temp sealant and reinstalled. When I go back on either Wednesday or Thursday I will fill the radiator and hope that the leaks will be gone.

I guess I learned a very valuable rookie mistake lesson. Live and learn as they say.

Posted By: Supercuda

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/20/10 03:36 PM

Well, two good things here. First you found it and the fix was nothing major. Second, you learned a valuable lesson and will probably never make this mistake again, lol. That's how I learned a lot of things.

Posted By: ChallengerGary

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/21/10 12:18 PM

Just checked out your website - Looks great! time for some updated pics for everyone

Posted By: northcoastmopar

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/23/10 02:01 AM

She's looking good Bob!

Posted By: BeBeep

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/24/10 01:05 AM

Quote:

She's looking good Bob!

Thanks John, yours came out great and I hope mine looks as good. Still can't believe I have had it torn apart so long. 2010 is the year!!

Quote:

Just checked out your website - Looks great! time for some updated pics for everyone

You are right, I need to get the site updated.

Posted By: BeBeep

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/24/10 01:07 AM

Quote:

Well, two good things here. First you found it and the fix was nothing major. Second, you learned a valuable lesson and will probably never make this mistake again, lol. That's how I learned a lot of things.

Amen to all that!!

Posted By: BeBeep

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/27/10 02:09 AM

Just wanted to post an update. After a few days I filled the radiator and let it sit another few days. The great news is that I no longer have any leaks.

I feel like I am chasing leaks every time I turn around.

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/27/10 02:39 PM

Quote:

Well today we investigated the leak and believe we have found the problem. It appears that when the headers were installed the the bolts should have had sealant applied to them. This was a critical step that was accidentally overlooked.

We looked at the manual and it confirmed that there are water jackets (or whatever they called them) behind the studs in the heads.

We removed each bolt and applied hi temp sealant and reinstalled. When I go back on either Wednesday or Thursday I will fill the radiator and hope that the leaks will be gone.

I guess I learned a very valuable rookie mistake lesson. Live and learn as they say.

Good catch your next rookie mistake will shine thru if you have to replace your starter (and you have to unbolt the header to do it) or change a header gasket, you'll have to DRAIN the cooling system. I always leave studs in stock iron heads with headers.

Posted By: Evil Spirit

Re: Antifreeze leak in a wierd place - Any Thoughts??? - 06/28/10 11:42 AM

IMO, sometimes it's easier to drain and refill the cooling system than to wrestle the headers around in a tight engine compartment to get them on the studs. And the polished stainless hardware avalible now looks nicer, too. It's kinda to each their own deal as to studs vs bolts.