Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Cooling problems... (Read 1538 times) previous topic - next topic

Cooling problems...

Ok, i got an 86 3.8 cougar with 120k miles. Id expect the water pump to be going at this point but heres my problem. Over the past year id been dealin with a small leak directly from the radiator core, addin a bit here n there, until it got worse. So i pour some Stop leak in there (forget which, one of the best kinds, i believe).

Problem solved! For a couple weeks.  :mad:

Now, my radiator seems to be holding coolant just fine, yet its spraying out somewhere near the water pump, and somehow soakin places above where i think the leak is.

I hadnt been payin attn to the temp guage on my way to work this morning, and stopped for gas to find smoke belchin from the grille. later when it cooled i added some coolant, but it went to overheat before it sucked the coolant in from the tank to the radiator.

Is it possible my water pump got clogged by that sealer and maybe pushed coolent out a worn gasket? where should i look first?

Re: Cooling problems...

Reply #1 –
A water leak can putu coolant almost anywhere - it's under 15 PSI of pressure, so a leak in the core can spray it on the engine, a leak at the engine can spray it on the core, etc. Combine that with the spinning fans and belts and you never know where the stuff will end up.

Your only bet is to visually try to find the leak. If you can get your hands on a pressure tester that would make your job a lot easier. I'd concentrate on the water pump shaft area, myself, especially the weep hole in the pump body. This is a common area for leaks and means the pump must be replaced. The internal seal is gone, the bearings are going, and when they go for good the fan could come out through the radiator.

"Stop-Leak" products are not likely to clock a water pump, but they can clog radiators and heater cores, so once you get your leak repaired you should flush the system.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Re: Cooling problems...

Reply #2 –
Ahh thanks, I was always inder the impression that the water pump was just fine until they dumped their coolant. Well that gives me a place to start. I'll check back when i know for sure. Gonna probably have a mechanic test the system for leaks

Re: Cooling problems...

Reply #3 –
well that solves that. I went to add some water to the radiator before i took it somewhere to get looked at, and it came right out the weep hole. The hell with gettin under there in this heat for hours, I'll let the shop put it on for 250ish. Dammit.

Thanks ThunderChicken, youve been a real help