Coolant loss.

[andyf]

I have been losing coolant for a while now and I found a small puddle of water under the car after a run. It is coming from the back of the engine, and happens with the engine running, and immediately after switching off.

I removed the air scoop and I can see a small trickle running down where the starter motor bolts to the bell housing. It is coming from the rear of the engine, but the two heater hoses appear dry and there is nothing coming from the matrix itself. After further exploration at the back of the engine with my hand, I concluded that it`s bloody hot and I didn`t fancy burning myself.

Is there anything else at the back there that could leak - core plug perhaps? All suggestions gratefully received.



1980 persian aqua DHC

[jclay (RIP 2018)]

Andy,

There is a water outlet plate on the back of the head that has a gasket. There is one hose that connects there. Also, on the intake manifold, there is an outlet that connects to the other heater hose just under the back carburetor.

It sounds like that rear hose has a pin hole starting that only leaks when the system is under pressure. That is the first place I would look before trying to pull that rear plate. If you look at this photo, in the upper left hand corner you can see the very bottom of the plate.



I changed the gasket on this plate while I had the transmission out. I had to raise the engine to get the top bolts out and lower it to get to the bottom one. Let's hope it is the hose.

jclay

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[andyf]

Thanks Jclay I will have a look this weekend and let you know how I get on.


1980 persian aqua DHC

[andyf]

I have had a look (as best as I can) and it does appear to be coming from the bottom corner of the plate. The hose into it appears to be ok and it does feel as though it is coming from that plate, although as it only leaks when pressurised I have to wait until the engine is warmish before investigating.

Looks like an interesting job to get at the bolts. [B)]


1980 persian aqua DHC