Bad coolant leak on backside of engine.

August 04, 2012, 07:41:09 PM

I just finished replacing my intake manifold gaskets for the second time because I thought that would be the only reason for such a leak. When I finished, I poured some more water into the radiator and it came out the back end just as fast as it did the last time. I figure I had to have missed a hose some where back there, but I can't see anything loose and my "Haynes manual" does not show me anything either. It seems to coming out right around the fire wall. Any help would be appreciated! I have a 1986 Base Cougar with the 5.0 (302) engine.

Thanks!

Found the problem.

Reply #1 – August 04, 2012, 11:10:10 PM

I've been working on my car now from top to bottom for about a month. Putting a new (2nd set) intake manifold gaskets was not a total waste. I had tried starting it before when I notice the leak. and it didn't start. So, I double checked the #1 cylinder and being I had put on a new distributor I checked to see if it was lining up also. I had put all new hoses on and for some dumb reason I put on a hose on the back of the manifold that was a hair too big. It clamped down tight enough to make me think it was all right, but the more I thought about it the less I liked it. Sure enough, when I pulled it hard and it came off. Now I have the right hose on it and all is seems to be well (no more leak). When I took off the manifold the second time, I noticed the fuel had reached the fuel rail but not the fuel injectors. Tomorrow I will see if I can get it started.