Leaking Coolant

66Bronco · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:28 PM

I've got a '95 7.3 with a five-speed, and I've got coolant coming from somewhere on the front of the engine. Now, the kicker is the water pump is bone dry because it's brand new, as is the thermostat. When the pump was installed, the gasket was coated in RTV and all bolts were doped with thread sealant. Also, the thermostat housing was replaced. I thought this would prevent any leaks, but it's not. Somebody told me that it was the intake or head gasket, but the block is dry and the drip pattern is only at the front of the block. I'm completely stumped. Any thoughts? This is urgent as it's my daily driver. Also, it does build and maintain pressure and the hoses are in good shape. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Techs?

#2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:32 PM

Are you sure that its not coming out of the weep hole on the bottom of the pump? I've had brand new pumps that were bad. If you can visually see it the next best thing is to pressureize the coolant system and look for a leak then. Also look to make sure its not the oil cooler leaking where it bolts to the front cover. Double check everything you put on new. I've had gaskets and orings leak after install. Nobody is perfect.

66Bronco · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:43 PM

If it's the oil cooler where would I look? I had the pump off yesterday after running the truck for about a month and the weep hole had no white residue on it. I think the pump is okay. Also, if it is the oil cooler, can i see it/access it without taking the pump off again? It only leaks under pressure.

#4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66Bronco

If it's the oil cooler where would I look? I had the pump off yesterday after running the truck for about a month and the weep hole had no white residue on it. I think the pump is okay. Also, if it is the oil cooler, can i see it/access it without taking the pump off again? It only leaks under pressure.

The oil cooler runs along the drivers side of the motor. Thats what the oil filter screws on to. The front of it bolts to the front cover right behind the lower radiator hose. Sometime those gaskets will start to leak. Hopefully the front cover doesnt have a hole in it. Should be pretty easy to spot the leak if it leaks underpressure. Crawl under it with a flashlight and a mirror.

66Bronco · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:49 PM

How hard are the o-rings in the cooler to replace, or is that even what you're talking about?

2000 7.3 6speed · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:49 PM

mine was leaking on the flange where the bottom hose (on the radiator) connects to the water pump i just put a new Oring in dont know if thats the same problem?

***smitty16s*** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 03:53 PM

idk about these trucks, but on my old sonoma, it leaked after i replaced the water pump, because one of the gaskets had slid sideways when i went to bolt the pump up. I would check the gaskets