Help tracking a coolant leak

[Racer0918]

I have a Roush 342R motor in my car and I have a very small coolant leak that is dripping out of the center bottom of the bell housing, I have checked the back of the intake and head gaskit area and they are both dry!! what next remove trans and check rear freeze out plugs?

[Rick Parker]

There are some brown tablets about 1" diameter, that are a stop leak of some sort. They disolve and will stop the leak. GM uses them whenever the intakes are removed for resela; they are available at GM parts counters and maybe under other brand names at auto parts stores.

[bobcowan]

Any fuid leak on a SBF always seems to show up first on the block plate and bellhousing. Even if it's leaking at the front of the intake manifold, that's where it shows up first.

You can use corn starch pretty easily to locate the source. Run the engine long enough to get the leak started, then sprinkle corn starch around until you find it. It's cheap, it works, and you won't damage anything with harsh chemicals and dyes.

There are also a couple of freeze plugs in the back of the block, covered by the block plate, flywheel, and BH.

[Grubby]

You can buy a flourescent additive and use a black light to check for leaks. That is how the GM and Ford do it at the factroy. The additive is available at most auto parts stores.

I agree with bobcowan. Just because it is wet there does not mean that is where it is coming from. Also agree with Rick. The GM tablets work great on small mystery leaks. It is much easier than pulling the trans. I just used them on a GMC Sierra that was loosing about a quart of coolant a year. I could not find any wet spots and fought the issue for more than two years. Finally, put in one tablet and the problem is gone.

John

[Racer0918]

Thanks for the help!! Bob thanks for sending me to the front of the motor, you were dead on!! It was leaking from the bottom of the hose on the thermostat housing dribbling down to the oil pan rail and heading to the rear from there with no signs of wetness in between till it driped out in the back. There is no substitute for experience!!! Thanks again

[bobcowan]

Great! I'm glad it was something so simple, and easy to fix. Sometimes we get lucky.