Coolant leakage...from...? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

charlieatthedisco · 08-21-2013, 10:13 AM

This past weekend I replace the front main seal on my 1978 350 c10. All in all it went well no leaks at first when I fired her up last night but shortly I noticed coolant leaking off of the starter! It was dripping from somewhere on the passenger side of the engine and coming down to the starter and dripping off. The only thing I can think of are the two gaskets which looks dry. I just realized I did not put any sealer on the bolts when I reinstalled the water pump, but could this be coming from the weep hole? and why? I should also mention that there was a ton of rust pieces I cleaned out of the water pump when I pulled it off
Thanks
Chaz

**truckdude239** · 08-21-2013, 10:26 AM

Have you checked the freeze plugss?theres one right above the starter

charlieatthedisco · 08-21-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

Have you checked the freeze plugss?theres one right above the starter

I have not, Freeze plugs!? Never heard of that in my life! Where is that located and what is their purpose?
Thanks
Charlie

frog210 · 08-21-2013, 10:41 AM

There are 4 on each side v8, they are like a 1.5-2 in metal circle plug
Posted via Mobile Device

charlieatthedisco · 08-21-2013, 10:43 AM

A google search told me that the point of the freeze plugs are to pop out if there is too much water in the coolant and the water freezer to prevent damage to the block. These were not leaking before...but I know I have a great water to coolant ratio in there right now, could this be causing them to leak?

Tx Firefighter · 08-21-2013, 11:53 AM

They are called freeze plugs, but that is a misnomer. They are more properly known as core plugs. They are not there for freeze protection. They are there because of the necessity of cleaning all of the sand out of the block casting when its made originally.

Here's the straight story.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_plug

And, the plugs in your block are 1 5/8 inch size. Available at parts stores for a dollar or so. If you had rusty coolant, you have rusty everything. The core plugs are much thinner than the block and will rust out when subjected to rusty coolant for a while. That's why running straight water in an engine is so harmful to it.

08-21-2013, 10:13 AM	#1
charlieatthedisco Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 42	Coolant leakage...from...? This past weekend I replace the front main seal on my 1978 350 c10. All in all it went well no leaks at first when I fired her up last night but shortly I noticed coolant leaking off of the starter! It was dripping from somewhere on the passenger side of the engine and coming down to the starter and dripping off. The only thing I can think of are the two gaskets which looks dry. I just realized I did not put any sealer on the bolts when I reinstalled the water pump, but could this be coming from the weep hole? and why? I should also mention that there was a ton of rust pieces I cleaned out of the water pump when I pulled it off Thanks Chaz Last edited by charlieatthedisco; 08-21-2013 at 10:14 AM. Reason: Spelling errors

08-21-2013, 10:26 AM	#2
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: Coolant leakage...from...? Have you checked the freeze plugss?theres one right above the starter __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

08-21-2013, 10:41 AM	#4
frog210 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 784	Re: Coolant leakage...from...? There are 4 on each side v8, they are like a 1.5-2 in metal circle plug Posted via Mobile Device __________________ San Antonio, TEXAS -Frog -I'm a valet and well I've driven BMWs, Mercedes, Porsche,Bentlys, fiats, Hondas, etc and well even do I like a few features, I love my shortbed, it dosent bore me out, just press on the gas and you'll remember why you love it.

08-21-2013, 10:43 AM	#5
charlieatthedisco Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 42	Re: Coolant leakage...from...? A google search told me that the point of the freeze plugs are to pop out if there is too much water in the coolant and the water freezer to prevent damage to the block. These were not leaking before...but I know I have a great water to coolant ratio in there right now, could this be causing them to leak?

08-21-2013, 11:53 AM	#6
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Coolant leakage...from...? They are called freeze plugs, but that is a misnomer. They are more properly known as core plugs. They are not there for freeze protection. They are there because of the necessity of cleaning all of the sand out of the block casting when its made originally. Here's the straight story..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_plug And, the plugs in your block are 1 5/8 inch size. Available at parts stores for a dollar or so. If you had rusty coolant, you have rusty everything. The core plugs are much thinner than the block and will rust out when subjected to rusty coolant for a while. That's why running straight water in an engine is so harmful to it.

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