Coolant Leak @ Idler Pulley Support Assembly?

[RWWinslow]

I appear to have a coolant leak developing where the idler pulley support assembly bolts to the front of the engine block. Anti-freeze seeps out when the engine is cold, but not when the block heater is plugged in or the engine is running at temperature. Does anyone know if this assembly uses an O-ring or gasket material for sealing the assembly to the front of the block?

 

[B.G. Smith]

May be coming from the weep hole in the bottom of the water pump, take a small mirror and see if you can see the bottom weep hole. bg

 

[RWWinslow]

The wet source is above the water pump

 

[cerberusiam]

I believe what you will find if you dig long enough is the leak is from the corner of the head around a coolant passage. When it is cold it will seep. When it is warm it seals. Its one of those obscure charachter traits of the 1st gen engine. :-laf



Is it bad? Well, as long as it doesn't increase and get worse there doesn't seem to be any issue. More of a personal choice if you want to fix it. Mine has done it for several years and it is only a few drips periodically. I haven't justified the time to pull the head and do a HG.



IIRC, neither the belt tensioner nor the fan support block have threaded holes that tap the water jacket.

 

[RWWinslow]

Thanks for input. I'll do some clean up and more detailed inspect this weekend - probably just keep an eye on it. Maybe a little tap water mixed in with the anti-freeze to see if it will seal up better



Schedule does not support a HG job right now.