the last couple weeks I haven't been able to hold water/fluid in the rad. it stopped raining, so I was able to see where it was actually dripping from. I've checked all the hoses and clamps, and it seems that just behind the fan belt, and a couple inches to the left of where the rad hose is attached to the engine, there is a small hole. there is a matching hole on the underside. if I plug the bottom one with my finger, the leak stops, but eventually the fluid comes out of the top hole.

i took a picture, but can't attach it

thanks, sue

 

Your waterpump seal is leaking. Time to replace the pump. Very common.

 

is this a huge job? is it any more time/technical than replacing the thermostat?
thanks

 

It's not any more technical than changing the thermostat, it's just a little bigger job. The task is basically the same.... take loose the bolts, replace the waterpump, using sealant on the gasket.

Sue, here is the instructions for changing out of the 1966 service manual. It's a must have book for early model owners..

http://midnightdsigns.com/james/imag...g%20System.pdf

 

becareful tightening the pump and or thermostat bolts they could bottom out and you would snap the head off the bolt(s),,,been there done that one

 

thanks so much for the link - I have that service manual and have referred to it soooo many times. and the heads up about the bolts snapping - it's always a good reminder.

will get back to it during daylight trow.