Coolant leak on front of engine, 383

[Biggredd2069]

Was a rather hot day today and did a fair amount of driving. Ended up spewing some coolant. Upon further inspection it looks like coolant is leaking from behind one of the pulleys, just above where the timing marks are. I'm assuming that's the water pump gasket but wanted to get some opinions before I do anything. It's relaxing in the garage now with a bucket under it.

 

[BigblueC]

Has the water pump been replaced? It could be coming from the weep hole. Just watch it. With the air currents it can be a little tricky to track down the source.

 

[Biggredd2069]

Has not been replaced recently. Hard to tell exactly where it's coming from but it's narrowed down to that general area

 

[BigblueC]

Clean it and dry it off, then let it sit for a day or two. You will see if it's coming from the weep hole (bottom side of water pump). If it is, then it's time to replace the water pump. I suggest a "stock" or O.E. type replacement.

 

[cbarge]

If you do diagnose the water pump get the right one as mentioned o.e. type.
There is a difference between pump that go on car with air conditioning and those without.
Number of vanes and length of snout.
Parts jobbers depending which one sell one for both not good.
Later big block pumps were revised also FYI
Hope this helps

 

[Biggredd2069]

If it's leaking does that mean water pump is bad or just convenient to do it at the same time ?

 

[BigblueC]

It means the seals are out (it's bad), so it needs to be replaced. It will only get worse. It's a pretty easy job, and a good time to do other coolant system maintenance like flushing the system, replacing the thermostat and rubber hoses.

 

[Davea Lux]

If your car is leaking from the weep hole at the bottom of the pump, there will usually be coolant residue on the inside of the water pump pulley.

Dave

 

[70NEWYORKER]

Use a small mirror to look at bottom of water pump snout...if it's leaking from the weep hole you will see it.

 

[3C's & a D?]

If you end up having to do the water pump, that would also be the perfect time to do the timing chain, if it hasn't been done yet. If you're not sure, it's also a good time to check. This is very important, I once found out the hard way just how important it is.

 

[Yeahrightgreer]

If you end up having to do the water pump, that would also be the perfect time to do the timing chain, if it hasn't been done yet. If you're not sure, it's also a good time to check. This is very important, I once found out the hard way just how important it is.

Well at that point if it were me I’d just do the whole front since the block needs to be drained and cover removed anyways. Fuel pump, belts, hoses, fan clutch etc

 

[Big_John]

If you end up having to do the water pump, that would also be the perfect time to do the timing chain, if it hasn't been done yet. If you're not sure, it's also a good time to check. This is very important, I once found out the hard way just how important it is.

While I agree that a timing chain R&R might be in order on an older engine, you aren't really getting that far into it. Water pump on a 383 is really simple, belts off, fan/fan clutch off and unbolt the water pump.

To do a timing chain, you don't need to remove the water pump from the housing. The housing needs to come off, but the water pump can stay right where it is, bolted to the housing. The only thing you would be taking off for both projects are the belts. Honestly, I think you can leave the fan bolted to the water pump if you are a little careful and you don't have a fan shroud.

 

[Biggredd2069]

I ended up just doing the water pump for now, I needed the car for an event. It was leaking out the weep hole and the gasket had cracked pretty good. It's in and running good. Just having trouble getting the bolts for the fan tight cause it keeps wanting to spin and I can't get good leverage. But otherwise all is good. Thanks

 

[cbarge]

I ended up just doing the water pump for now, I needed the car for an event. It was leaking out the weep hole and the gasket had cracked pretty good. It's in and running good. Just having trouble getting the bolts for the fan tight cause it keeps wanting to spin and I can't get good leverage. But otherwise all is good. Thanks

Thanks for the update. Glad it was just a water pump.
Cheers