Coolant leak

**Sas** · 04-17-2010, 05:51 PM

I've been trying to track down a slight coolant leak that I have and think I finally found it. Does this mean my front main seal is going?

**TransAm Lamb** · 04-17-2010, 07:07 PM

There shouldn't be any coolant coming from the front main seal. Where that coolant is at, it's more than likely run down from the water pump assembly. You could clean it off and put dye in the coolant system to be positive of the location of the leak.

**Sas** · 04-17-2010, 07:18 PM

I didn't think there would be any in the seal, but it looks like it's coming from the gasket right there. I didn't see any coming down from the water pump, it's just in that one area. The cars been sitting in the garage for three days and that's about the only time it leaks. Is there a special kind of dye to put in, or would pretty much any dye work?

**pajeff02** · 04-17-2010, 07:23 PM

There is a large brass plug behind the alternator that may be leaking. It is the driver side block drain for the cooling system and takes a 17mm allen head. I used a paste thread sealant on ours and would recommend that or teflon tape if it is leaking.

**Sas** · 04-17-2010, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

There is a large brass plug behind the alternator that may be leaking. It is the driver side block drain for the cooling system and takes a 17mm allen head. I used a paste thread sealant on ours and would recommend that or teflon tape if it is leaking.

Thanks, I'll have a look there and see if that's it.

**rsg98Z28** · 04-18-2010, 12:26 PM

I would start with a water pump. Try the simple things first if youre a little unsure, that looks like thats what it is judging by the location of the leak.

**cammed goat** · 04-18-2010, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by rsg98Z28

I would start with a water pump. Try the simple things first if youre a little unsure, that looks like thats what it is judging by the location of the leak.

This. Either the pump or gaskets are leaking.

**Sas** · 04-18-2010, 01:37 PM

I need to replace the belt tensioner for the alternator anyway, so once I get the new parts I plan on digging around down there. Decided just to let it have a slight leak, with a drip pan under it, until I get some money in the next week or so.

**cammed goat** · 04-18-2010, 02:13 PM

If you have to drive it, keep a gallon of water or dex-cool with ya to be safe. I did that when my water pump and radiator went out on me.

**Sas** · 04-18-2010, 07:23 PM

Luckily right now I don't have to drive it, and the only time it seems to leak is when I don't drive it for a few days. When I do drive it it runs fine with no leaks.