TR2/3/3A Major water leak, chapter 2 TR3A post 60000

[Tinkerman]

Item #13 on my "TR Start - to do list" is "fill Radiator". This is my second attempt to complete this step. As some of you may remember my first attempt ended in leaky failure. So I went through all the steps and put it all back together, new gaskets, plenty of goop, let it sit and today was the day. No coolant this time, as one of you suggested, just water. 1/2 gallon let sit, no problem, YEA. Next 1/2 gallon, Stop! Look! Listen! no problem Yea! Next 1/2 gallon, stop! Look! Listen!
It was the "Listen!" that got me. I could hear it, drop,drop,drop. This time I really can't tell where it's coming from, sigh, and I'm getting too old for scrabbling underneath the engine.
It seems to be coming from behind the engine plate? Or from behind the timing chain cover, could that happen? No water in the engine oil. At this point.
Any ideas, suggestions, or thoughts will be received very appreciativly.
I would really like to get beyond step 13! I really do hate do overs!

Tinkerman

 

[TomMull]

Have you ruled out water pump? It leaks from the hole between bearings on the bottom and runs down the back of the pulley. Tom

 

[bobhustead]

You are probably going to have to crawl under with a flashlight. Sorry.

Noli illegitimi te abradere permittere.

Bob

 

[TR3driver]

I agree, water pump is most likely. But there is a passage from the water pump housing into the cylinder block that could leak, on either side of the front plate. It's not a common problem spot, but maybe.

As I recall, the timing cover is entirely below the water jacket, so no chance of a water leak there unless perhaps the block is cracked through and the water is running down the crack.

Good luck, I know it's frustrating. I pulled my radiator out a couple of weeks ago, in the mistaken belief that it was leaking again. Apparently the problem was just a bad hose clamp (that could have been replaced without having to remove the front apron).