Danno74Z

Hello,

About a month ago I developed an engine coolant leak and I'm stumped. The coolant is leaking where the oil pan and block meet. from the picture one can clearly see the coolant weeping by the gasket. The engine is on a test stand waiting to go into my project car. I periodically fire the engine up (about once a month) to keep all the innards and seals lubed but something is worn out or aged. The coolant is definitely not leaking on the outside of the water pump and dripping down to the pan.

How can antifreeze get down there?

Thanks,
Danno74Z

joecar

The waterpump gaskets have failed, coolant is dripping down the edge of the front cover and ends up as shown in your pic.

Danno74Z

Joecar,

Is that the only way coolant can get down there? I have never taken an LS1 apart so I'm very green. I swear I did not see any coolant running along the leading edge of the front cover as you mentioned. There are no hidden water passages in that cover is there? I would assume if the front seal failed or the oil pan seal failed I would have oil not antifreeze leaking.

If someone else has a suggestion please fire away.

Thanks Again

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

I'm with joecar. It's either that or the weep hole in the pump itself. There's no way you'd have coolant coming from an oil pan and NOT oil, or both for that matter.

Danno74Z

Thanks guys. I stopped at NAPA and picked up 2 WP gaskets. It might be the weep hole I just don't know. In either case, I will drain the radiator and remove the pump and see what is going on. The engine is not in a car but on my test stand soooo its very easy to get to the pump. I will report back and let you know.

Danno74Z

joecar

Get the WP gaskets that are metal with black rings molded onto the metal.

Do not get the ones with orange rings, nor the paper ones.

Danno74Z

Joecar,

Can you recommend a site to purchase the mentioned gaskets?

Danno74Z

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Autozone should have them. Felpro brand I believe. I'm pretty sure when I replaced the pump they were in the box, but they sell them by themselves also

Danno74Z

dr_whigham

With a little detective work I found the leak. Here is a shot looking straight up at the water pump gasket on the left side (looking at the engine). The gaskets are on the way and the radiator is drained. I returned the paper gaskets to NAPA and got the ones made by AC Delco (guarantee) with the black rings. 2 for $10 shipped - can't beat the price but have to wait a few days.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Glad you got it taken care of, brother!