While fixing a leak on my transfer case I noticed some coolant buildup on my tranny bell.

Shown here


I tried to trace it and I "thought" it was coming from my water pump. I could see some buildup near where it bolts up. However I realized that its behind the water pump. What I am wondering is, what IS that? And how much of a pain is it to try n fix? I included some pics to show where I think its coming from.




In this one I am pointing to the buildup and the yellow shows the route the coolant took to get to the back by the tranny.


Any help at all would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

This is just my opinion but I believe you have 2 problems. I don't see any flow past the oil filter to account for the dripping coolant at the rear of the engine.

The first is the rear of the engine and I would pick that leak for a freeze plug. There are two on the block and one each on the rear of the heads.

The second pic has 3 possibilities freeze plug, water pump or the timing cover. I think your problem here is the timing cover but it is a tough call.

I would personally rather tackle the front of the engine either way that's a great time to take care of your plenum and your timing chain.

 

Maybe the bypass hose on the water pump.

 

If you figure it out please post. I'm having the same leak and have changed the water pump already...still leaking. How hard is changing a freeze plug and how much is the cost usually?

 

hard to say about 1 leak or 2 from the pics. i don't see a wet track to the rear, but it might be there.

likelyhood of leaking freeze plug in the rear is high. its a $1 part, but requires removal of the trans to get to it. if you do that, while the trans is out, replace them all. labor cost could be pretty high, probably 2-3-4 hours.

like already said, the big aluminum piece behind the water pump is the timing cover, and it forms a water jacket to the block. you'd probably replace the water pump and replace the timing cover gasket. also a good time to replace timing chain and front oil seal around the crank. that oil seal is inside the timing cover.

 

isn't that a freeze plug that has a trail of fluid below it?

to trace it you should clean it all up and then you'll be able to see where its coming from when it starts leaking again.

 

If it is the freeze plugs, have them replace with the brass types. Less **** to rusting like the original ones.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SLP-381-8010/

 

yep I have the same leak on mine....mechanic noticed it when rebuilding my rear diff....he told me to try a bottle of stop leak because the leak was small and it could likely seal it.... hasnt yet though I just added it...I'm keeping an eye on it and adding antifreeze for now as I'm out of money to dump into this thing right now...

 

stop leak is a bad idea. especially bars leaks.

 

+1 agree that stop leak is bad for your truck.