water puddle on engine

[mrwriggs]

Hi all,

Twas doing some cleaning of the engine compartment, and noticed a small puddle of water, bout a thimble full, on top of the engine case at the Back sort of under the dist cap. I mopped it up. All was fine til I ran the engine. Then a small little puddle reappeared.

any clues??

[DJT]

This could be either the start of water pump seal failure, or inlet gasket failure, or a leaking bypass hose/clip, or a weeping core plug.

First check if the inlet manifold bolts are tight; but don't get too enthusiastic as they are only into aluminium and can easily strip. Then check the hose clips for tightness. Whilst there, check the hose for condition.

It isn't easy, but you may be able to use a torch and mirror to see up under the inlet manifold and get some idea where the water is originating from. Drying the Vee and blowing talcum powder around helps to detect the run of water.

Is the car used much? If used rarely, corrosion can form un the underside of the water pump impellor and cause water to leak into the vee from the seal. Regular use prevents this happening. A good run can sometimes bed the seal in again, but you have to be confident it is only a small leak and keep a good eye on the temp guage.

If it is the inlet manifold gaskets, then K-Seal is often effective in curing a small leak. It seems to be better than Radweld or Barr's Leaks.

I am sure there will be other suggestions............

Good luck, and hopefully it isn't a full-blown water pump seal failure.

Dave

[Stagdad]

Front heater hose where it goes back onto the water pump cover,bypass hose,this one goes from pump cover to manifold,Leaking top hose where it goes on to the thermastat cover.Waterpump can leak if engine has been stood for a while and can reseal if you are lucky with some use,Less likely and harder to sort out are inlet manifold leaking ,there are 2 water slots, one on each side at the back of the manifold or leaking core plug on the bottom of the inlet manifold.

Cheers Steve

Must type faster

[martin]

Hi Ray, as Dave says, have a go at the inlet manifold bolts first, use a ring spanner, NOT a socket, and only the strength in your wrists, if they tighten, you've found the prob. Don't do anything else at all till you know if this has worked. If it doesn't work (unlikely) then go for the hose clips and then failing hoses. Let us know mate, Martin.

[mrwriggs]

Thanks for all that..will look when next days off. And post up.
I am due to go to martins after the 12th for a tune up. Gonna try and before then.
Martin...would it be better to change plugs,leads and all that prior to my visit?

[martin]

Thanks for all that..will look when next days off. And post up.
I am due to go to martins after the 12th for a tune up. Gonna try and before then.
Martin...would it be better to change plugs,leads and all that prior to my visit?

Hiya, no reason why not if you've got the time mate, if you haven't we'll manage it. Martin.

[Giles]

pot of K Seal and see if it goes away?