ncsportic

I've got a bad coolant leak. Seems to start leaking as soon as tstat opens. I bought a new water pump and was going to have a buddy of mine fix it, however, he said it looks like the seal from the piece behind the water pump (the part that's attached to the block) and he can't think of what it's called. Any idea what it may be? Trying to avoid taking it in because it's quite a distance from my house.

trashpickinman

It's the "timing cover" that sits between the water pump and the block.

NeoTokyo

Yup.

Leaks there happen, its an aluminum cover on an iron block and just like the heads it can fail there too.

How badly does it leak at the cover and does it get into the oil?

ncsportic

Thanks guys, lifting it tomorrow to see exactly where it's coming from. Would do it today but mother nature surprised us with a snow storm....in the middle of April. Go figure. Is it the cover that goes bad or the gasket? If I remember correctly before storage, the coolant would run right down to the oil pan but I don't believe it was mixing with the oil.

trashpickinman

It's usually the gasket that goes bad. The timing cover sits directly over oil pan, once the timing cover is removed anything can fall into the pan. Change your oil and filter after replacing the gaskets sets.

ncsportic

You guys were correct, it's the timing cover gasket. I'm going to replace the water pump, timing chain, & those gaskets all at the same time. Now, am I going to have to drop the entire oil pan or lift the engine to do this? Any tips you guys got? Thanks!

trashpickinman

Maybe a little late now. I've never done the timing gasket set myself, but I've heard that despite the instructions you do not need to drop the oil pan.

One quick tip I've heard: As you're looking at the timing cover from the front of the engine, down on the lower right side of the timing cover, there is a smaller almost hidden screw holding the timing cover down. I've heard of people forgetting the one fastener and cracking the timing cover while trying to pull it off.

DavidMustang

I have a 94 Mustang 3.8L mine is also leaking from the timing cover. The leak is very very slow maybe I have to put one double shot of radiator fluid ever couple of days. If you do replace the cover gasket, make sure to get all the coolant/debris from the cover out of the oil pan (removing pan is a +) since that will instantly eat your bearings when you start it up, if left in there.