1973 coolant leak
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
1973 coolant leak
Hi everyone,
I searched the threads and wanted to make sure I was on the right track. First, I have a 1973 454 with a TH-400. I’ve been having trouble keeping it cool in the 90+ degree weather. It regularly hits 210 and hangs around there until I give it a chance to cool off. After my last drive, I noticed a bit of coolant on the floor of my garage, not a huge puddle, but easily several tablespoons. So I pressure tested the system and observed the fluid leaking from the dust cover on the torque converter and dripping down the starter. I’m thinking intake manifold gasket, block plug or heater core. Am I in the right ballpark? What’s the best way to accurately diagnose the leak.
thanks in advance!
I searched the threads and wanted to make sure I was on the right track. First, I have a 1973 454 with a TH-400. I’ve been having trouble keeping it cool in the 90+ degree weather. It regularly hits 210 and hangs around there until I give it a chance to cool off. After my last drive, I noticed a bit of coolant on the floor of my garage, not a huge puddle, but easily several tablespoons. So I pressure tested the system and observed the fluid leaking from the dust cover on the torque converter and dripping down the starter. I’m thinking intake manifold gasket, block plug or heater core. Am I in the right ballpark? What’s the best way to accurately diagnose the leak.
thanks in advance!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 656
From: Thunder Bay
Get a leak detection kit. Basically some dye and a UV light. Clean up the engine and add the dye to the coolant. Drive it around the block a few times and put the car in you shop and turn out the lights. Look around with the light and you should be able to figure out where it's coming from.
