I just discovered a new coolant leak today. It runs down the front driver's side of the block down to the oil pan lip, and follows the oil pan back and runs along the two metal lines just under the edge of the pan. As far as I can see upwards from underneath the truck, the coolant leak weeps down between the block and timing cover and follows that joint all the way down. I can't see any further up than at about the water pump, because the a/c compressor is in the way. But there is a bolt that goes through either the water pump and/or the timing cover, and that's where the leak seems to originate. Will removing the a/c compressor give a good enough view, or should I be pulling other things? I've read about a bypass hose down there, but I am not familiar with it yet. I do not have a repair manual (can't download it either thanks to dialup), but I don't always use them either (I do like them for torque values etc...).

When the truck is running, the block seems to get hot enough to evaporate the coolant, and no signs of leakage are present. However, as soon as I shut the engine off, I can see the slow weep take place and run down. If I start the engine, it dries up. It's not huge leak, but I don't want it to turn into one either.

I just hope it's not the timing cover. I wasn't looking for this much fun quite so soon....

On the plus side, I did do new plugs, cap, and rotor today. I haven't done wires yet because I'm waiting for ones ordered online, and I need to find and read the infamous spark plug wiring TSB I keep seeing on here.

 

it probably is at the timing cover. the timing cover bolts onto the front of the block, and has 2 big hollow passages at the water jackets. then the water pump bolts onto there.

if the leak is at the water pump shaft, it will get worse. if it just at the t-stat or timing cover or water pump gasket, it might remain stable and not get any worse, and you might be able to just add coolant periodically to keep it full.

if and when you do decide to fix it, if you plan it and shop at rockauto, you can do the whole front end.

here's some pics.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ater-pump.html

 

awesome pictures in your link! By looking at your pictures, and looking at the one showing the front of the motor with the water pump removed, the "bolt" in question is the one outside of the black gasket perimeter for the water pump, furthest to the right of the water pump. I can't see any higher than this. Looks like I should remove a couple things so I can see a little better. The front of the water pump is dry and it's not making any noise (used a scope). So, it must either be that passage way fro the water pump on the driver's side, or, if I understand the pictures correctly, there is a coolant outlet on the front of the intake and this may be dribbling down too. If it's the intake, then I will remove it and either buy a hughes kit or a complete hughes intake .