Coolant running out of engine :o(

[Patriot_RAM]

Hey Guys,



I have a problem. When I turn the truck off, coolant is running out of the engine. I posted this in the 911 forum, but I don't see anybody there today. Does anybody know what the issue might be? Here is the original post:



Hey Guys,



My truck developed a bad coolant leak this afternoon. When I turned the truck off, I saw that coolant had ran out of the engine on the ground. I started it back up and had my wife turn it off to see where it was running out.



The truck was parked on a slight slope toward the front. I didn't see anything leaking at idle. When she turned the truck off, I heard what sounded like coolant running down inside the engine. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.



Several seconds after the engine shut off, coolant started pouring off the front of the motor. I couldn't tell where it was coming from, but it was all running off the front passenger side of the oil pan and the bracket right next to it.



What do you guys think might cause this? I pulled out fast a couple times this morning and probably saw 55psi boost, but that's not abnormal. Any ideas?



Here is a link to the video.





I uploaded the photos in full 7 megapixel size so you can see the details if you need to...



Here is a link to all of the photos.



This truck has 102,000 miles on it. It's 512hp, 934tq, runs up to 55psi steady boost, but I don't tow and I'm usually pretty easy on it. Any ideas?



Thanks!

 

[JApol]

There is an oil cooler on that side of the engine that uses the coolant to cool the oil. That could have sprung a leak. Its curious that it only leaks on shut down. I havn't located the cooler on my truck so I can't tell you where exaclty it is.

 

[nickleinonen]

oil cooler is most likely ok. . the below picture shows part of the cooler [aluminum casting integral to lube oil filter head] and it looks ok
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the leak looks to be towards the front of the engine.

my guess...

1. waterpump carbon seal [leak from weep hole] or o-ring from pump case to block [leak between pump and block]
2. lower rad hose [split or hole or loose clamp] or seal from hose adapter piece to block [not sure if this is a paper gasket or o-ring]

#ad

this one shows signs of wet on the timing case just below the water pump...

cut away view of isbe oil cooler
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[THanley]

Did you check the water pump. Mine went out at 140k miles.

Take the pressure of the belt by putting a ratchet into the square hole in the tensioner and slip the belt off the water pump (idler pulley). Take hold of the pulley and see if there is any play. Spin it and see if it spins freely.

Easy to change, two bolts and about 15-20 minutes. Most of the time is spent draining the coolant and getting the belt back on.

Hope that's all it is.

 

[rbattelle]

Wow, that is weird wild stuff. Based on where the leak is, I'd suspect the water pump as well, but why the heck would rotating it hold fluid in?

Ryan

 

[CPittman]

Water pump definitely gets my vote... had to change mine at 134K.

 

[nickleinonen]

but why the heck would rotating it hold fluid in?

more common than you think. . at work on the emd diesels, the carbon seal on the shaft will leak from time to time when not turning. . once it starts turning, the little bit of water in there will sling around the seal creating a viscous seal and it will hold. there is not much water pressure on the shaft. the inlet is at a negitive pressure until the system pressure [still lower pressure than outlet]

now, i have not seen one start to leak that bad once shut down.

 

[stew130]

just got the call from the dealership that my waterpump was done. made it 69,889 miles. would change it myself but it is covered under the Cummins warranty. mine was that same way, it wouldn't leak when engine was running but when it shut down and the majority of the pressure was off it would start dripping. weird...

 

[stew130]

got the pump replaced today. it was leaking around the shaft seal. shouldn't this thing last longer than 70K, or is this about right?

 

[rbattelle]

There are a lot of water pump failures between 70k and 100k lately. The usual theory is that sand left over in the block from casting gradually eats the pump seal.

So it follows that if you either flush the coolant early or install a coolant filter, your water pump will live forever.

I flushed and replaced my coolant at the 1-year mark (~20k miles). Now I'm in prime water pump failure territory (75k), so we'll see whether mine fares any better.

Ryan

 

[KevinO]

might want to check the front freeze plug i know jwilliams said when he changed his cam he noticed his ready to come out.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

that's unfortunate... all of my 12v trucks have gone 200k+ on their factory water pumps. granted, they're only like $40 and take about 15min to replace, but still

 

[stew130]

i made sure to get them to flush the system when they did it so hopefully this one will last longer... if not i'll let ya' know

 

[JohnCooper]

got the pump replaced today. it was leaking around the shaft seal. shouldn't this thing last longer than 70K, or is this about right?

Just replaced mine at 45K! $49 at Pep Boys, had it in stock, brand new, no core charge. Hardest part of the job was draining and refilling the coolant.