Very small leak of coolent

[Collin_It_K]

So basically I bought a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0l engine. And I replaced the alternator on it but while doing so I noticed coolent leaking under it. Its very small and only does super tiny drops after the engine has been going for awhile but still a leak none the less. I think I found the location of the leak since I see drops forming near the bottom of this bolt. Does the bolt itself just need to be retightned? I would appreciate the help

 

[franklin2]

That silver thing is your waterpump. You can try snugging the bolt a little bit, don't get carried away and break it off. If it still keeps leaking, you have a project coming up. You will have to take the waterpump off and put a new gasket under it. While you are there you will need to carefully inspect the front timing cover in that area. If the cover is pitted and eaten away in that area, a new gasket may not help. You will probably need a new cover, or you could try gobbing some sealer in that area and see if it holds after it dries.

 

[Collin_It_K]

Yeah sure i'll definitely try some of that when I can, I live in an area where I don't have a garage so I have to do it on a nice day What i'll probably do first is try getting some Loctite on the bolt and see if its an issue on that, but I have a feeling it might be the gasket that's causing the issue. Hopefully that isn't the case!

 

[Curious Hound]

Yeah sure i'll definitely try some of that when I can, I live in an area where I don't have a garage so I have to do it on a nice day What i'll probably do first is try getting some Loctite on the bolt and see if its an issue on that, but I have a feeling it might be the gasket that's causing the issue. Hopefully that isn't the case!

I would not use a thread locking compound on that bolt. If you are talking about using Loctite brand thread sealant, that might help. Loctite is a brand name and they make many products. A common thread sealant from the plumbing department at a local hardware store would probably be just as useful. A new gasket is definitely better.