Water leak question

[Blue t]

I hate for my first post to be a question but here it goes. I have a 1988 3.7 that has a small water leak from the front of the engine. It appears to be coming from the timing chain cover to is this possible? Looking at the front of the engine it's the third bolt hole up on the left side does this bolt go into a water jacket? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Blue t]

Re: Water leak question

I think I found my answer cam seals.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

Your waterpump cam seals are leaking. The antifreeze is leaking out of the weep hole in the waterpump housing. Read this, and don't be scared LOL: http://www.sterndrives.com/470_coolant_leak.html Lots of us here have done the repair we can help you through it. Welcome to the 470 club

 

[Blue t]

Re: Water leak question

Thanks Stoney I found that write up and thats the one I'm going to use. I have ordered all the seals and gaskets and I think I can do this in about 4 hours. The only thing I saw in his write up was why he doesnt loosen all the pan bolts to keep from damaging the pan gasket. That's what we would do on a sbc when doing a cam swap.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

s why he doesnt loosen all the pan bolts to keep from damaging the pan gasket.

I think that is a lot of unnecessary work, and if you tear the (25+ year old) gasket the replacement is $80 and I an not sure you can put a new on without pulling the engine. Once the waterpump impeller is off and the pan screws are out you should be able to work the cover off without damaging the gasket. If you do mess it up you should be able to trim the old one flush with the block and make a new gasket from gasket material with a little sealant at the joint. Couple of other things: Both seals face forward (garter spring facing toward the bow) while in there check the timing chain and tensioner, plan on replacing the crank oil seal, and be very careful torqing the cover bolts, it is pretty easy to crack the cast Al cover. If you have room to pull the balancer, you should not have to mess with the front motor mount. Have fun

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

Just reread the instructions: Last time I pulled the harmonic balancer (to remove stator, when doing alternator conversion) I used the standard puller installer kit from Autozone lend a tool program. The puller worked just fine, but for the installer the balancer is too deep, so I had to use a short (about 2 1/2 ") piece of 1" pipe as an adapter to get the balancer on.

 

[Blue t]

Re: Water leak question

Thanks I will look at that when it stops raining. I have the puller in my tool box now it looks like a simple job.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

One other thing, you not want to tap on the balancer to reinstall it, because you can knock the magnets loose. The center bolt is a 1/2 inch fine thread, and you can use a longer bolt and some greased washers to pull it on or a threaded rod and a nut with washers or a pipe spacer. Good luck.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Water leak question

Just to add to these great thoughts.... Measure real good the location of the speedi that needs to be installed so you get it in the correct spot. I did it myself and have heard of many others that get it off by an 1/8" and it still leaks. Be carfull when installing the sleeve not to get it on the cam cocked or you will ruin the sleeve. If you have the alternator upgrade, you can remove the magnets when you pull the balancer. If not, don't knock them off. I used a bold and lots of washers to push the balancer back on. I did mine without messing up the oilt pan gasket, just take your time. DO NOT break or damage the timing chain cover. I don't think they can be bought any more.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

DO NOT break or damage the timing chain cover. I don't think they can be bought any more.

Good advice. You can find them on e-bay, don't ask me how I know.:facepalm:

 

[Blue t]

Re: Water leak question

I do have the alternator but I don't think it's the right one it's a regular car one. If I remove the magnets will it not mess up the balance of the rotating assembly?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water leak question

I do have the alternator but I don't think it's the right one it's a regular car one. If I remove the magnets will it not mess up the balance of the rotating assembly?

Need a marine one. If you are charging OK right now, don't worry about it. The only thing really "wrong" with it is that it is so outrageously expensive to get it fixed if the regulator goes out ($500+ for the regulator). $300 for a bolt on kit from breezworks, takes an hour or two to install when you need it. I left the magnets in place and removed the stator.

 

[Blue t]

Re: Water leak question

I am going to take it and get it checked I'm only showing 12 volts it should be around 13.5.