Leak
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
Leak
On the drivers side rear of the block, in front of the oil filter, close to the freeze plug I have a slight leak of something which I believe to be coolant. That small area has a slight film of something. When parked a drip or two will hit the exhaust or it has blown there during a drive that smells like a plastic bag that is melting on the exhaust.
Does colloant have this distinctive smell? Is there any sending units in this area that could be the culprit?
Plan to jack her up tonight and take a closer look.
Does colloant have this distinctive smell? Is there any sending units in this area that could be the culprit?
Plan to jack her up tonight and take a closer look.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
On the drivers side rear of the block, in front of the oil filter, close to the freeze plug I have a slight leak of something which I believe to be coolant. That small area has a slight film of something. When parked a drip or two will hit the exhaust or it has blown there during a drive that smells like a plastic bag that is melting on the exhaust.
Does colloant have this distinctive smell? Is there any sending units in this area that could be the culprit?
Plan to jack her up tonight and take a closer look.
Does colloant have this distinctive smell? Is there any sending units in this area that could be the culprit?
Plan to jack her up tonight and take a closer look.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Coolant smells and tastes sweet... When it boils/burns it has almost that same distinctive sweet smell. Does not smell like burning plastic or rubber.
Coolant is VERY toxic, so don't go tasting it. But if you need to know, you can get a tiny dab on your finger and touch it to you tongue. But then rinse your mouth out LOL.
Coolant is VERY toxic, so don't go tasting it. But if you need to know, you can get a tiny dab on your finger and touch it to you tongue. But then rinse your mouth out LOL.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
Well it is oil around the head and block in the vicintity of the oil filter and dip stick. I can not determine at this point the exact origin of the leak.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
Coolant near the freeze plug is likely just that....a freeze plug leaking coolant. Poke at your wet freeze plug with a screwdriver and see if your freeze plug is solid. I had one doing what you describe and when I poked at it the screwdriver went right through as if it were made of foil so have a large catch pan handy. If it is the freeze plug it can be replaced with the block in the car but it's not a pleasant job esp if it's the plug right under the motor mount.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Sun Peaks British Columbia
The dealerships use a dye in the oil to identify the source of the leak. It is harmless to the engine.
I have used a simpler method which is sometimes effective. I've found that using tissue paper, like a kleenex, works well for tracing small amounts. Obviously you can only use it when the vehicle is stationary. Rub suspect areas w/ the Kleenex, then check for oil on it. Repeat the procedure with a clean area of the tissue. Using rags or other material doesn't work well because small traces of oil are absorbed quickly without leaving much of a mark.
I have used a simpler method which is sometimes effective. I've found that using tissue paper, like a kleenex, works well for tracing small amounts. Obviously you can only use it when the vehicle is stationary. Rub suspect areas w/ the Kleenex, then check for oil on it. Repeat the procedure with a clean area of the tissue. Using rags or other material doesn't work well because small traces of oil are absorbed quickly without leaving much of a mark.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Try cleaning the area of all residue and then run the engine. This may allow you to pinpoint the leak. Also, when the engine is cold, run your fingers aroung the bottom of the valve cover and see if you pick up any oil.
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