Coolant leak and getting familiar with the 2.9

[Fairlaniac]

I have a slight leak on my 2.9. See the image. The magenta line represents the mating line of the timing cover to I think the block? The green line represents the part of the "V" where the intake meets the head. You cannot see well in the picture but does the timing cover sit on a "bump out" from the block? With the wetness and grime it is hard to see. A picture of the front of a 2.9 block and a timing cover removed might shed some light on this for me. I bought some intake gaskets figuring that was where my leak was but it is really hard to tell, it might be where the timing cover mates up with the block? If my leak is by the magenta line would that just be the timing cover gaskets? It might be best to do the intake and timing gaskets all at once :-(

 

[PanamaExpat]

Intake manifold gasket..... I am near 100% certain on that. There is no water behind the timing cover gasket until you get lower where the water pump is.

 

[Tedybear]

I was leaning towards the coolant 'elbow' mount to the intake--as that can bleed coolant along those lines of the intake 'mount'/seem. However I also see a lot of blue RTV that looks pretty fresh, so that appears to have been addressed.

Given what I see? Gotta agree with Panama. There is no area related to the timing cover that can leak upwards---So you're good there. The intake? Yes, that has a set of ports for the heads, and even a pin hole leak would give that exact leak "track". Of course you can always 'borrow' or 'rent' a coolant system pressure tester, clean everything up...pressurize the system to about what the cap is rated for...and see where it's leaking out.

S-

 

[Andy D]

Why be in a rush to spend money. This is what I do with my 25 yr old BMWS. The Rat is OK. If it is a minor leak , carry a couple gallons of premixed coolant Get some simple Green or something to clean up that general area. Slight leaks are harder to fix than fast ones. Can you cover the area with a paper towel? I have wrapped suspicious hoses. If there is a greenish powder on the edge of a connection, that is a weep. Tighten all the hose clamps. Everything shrinks in cooler temps. Worm gear clamps slip over time At least check them. Anywhere hoses clamp to aluminum nipples there is pitting. I fix this by coating them with Permatex Aviation Forma Gasket There are 2 or 3 types, I like the stuff in a can for this job, the tube stuff is for gaskets and stuff. RTV is popular, but takes 24 hrs to cure. Over use causes possible clogs. Forma gasket sets up in 20 minutes to a soft set, which is fine years later when you take it apart again.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Since he already bought the gaskets he might as well put them on. Yes I like the form-a-gasket in the can better and for water pump gaskets and thermostat housings good old Indian Head gasket shellac.

 

[Fairlaniac]

Thanks for the replies. I'll install the new intake gaskets.