2003 LS V8 Looks like coolant is coming from behind crankpulley.... thoughts

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nellenrob

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I found another thread that said it might be the oil filter adapter, but I changed mine today and that is not it. I cleaned off the oil in the area and it looks like it is coming out of the bottom side of the timing chain cover. IS that possible with these cars or maybe the water pump is leaking and causing it to run down. But I do not see a "trickle" higher on the engine. It also slows up and almost stops when the car gets warm.
 
You're sure it's not the oil-to-water cooler?
I don't think there are any coolant passages in the timing cover. I don't see any indication that any of the bolts that hold the cover on go into the water jacket either.
There are many parts at the top front of the engine (as well as the plastic section of the lower radiator hose) that are well known to leak after six or seven years.
 
Not sure on the oil to water cooler. I have replaced most everything on the coolant system. The day after I bought the car the radiator shot craps and that is when I joined this site and started learning about the ls. After reading several posts I replaced most all plastic parts, and thought I had it whooped.
I was wondering if the bottom of the water pump could be leaking and it running through the timing cover, or around it and I just cant see it. I think the only thing I have not changed out is the DCCV.
 
It's the water pump, there's a rubber O ring that seals the mouth of the pump inside the block, the plastic around the Oring has crumbled. If you look at my profile photos you will see the pump when I changed mines out this year. If I recall its 4 bolts easy swap you have to reuse the pulley, mines crapped out after replacing all coolant pipes,

When I removed it I had to dig the plastic lip out of the block that's when I found the rubber O ring. Lol

I have the Delco water pump with metal propellers, been doing fine so far.


It's hard to spot the under side leak of the water pump, I had to use a light at a angle looking towards the bottom of the pump and then and only then could I see the glimmer of the coolant running and reflecting light.


http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/fo...nt-system-pressurize-if-the-water-pump-is-bad

this is the link to my post it has pictures showing what the problem was. also it shows the new pump i bought.
 
nellenrob said:
Not sure on the oil to water cooler. I have replaced most everything on the coolant system. The day after I bought the car the radiator shot craps and that is when I joined this site and started learning about the ls. After reading several posts I replaced most all plastic parts, and thought I had it whooped.
I was wondering if the bottom of the water pump could be leaking and it running through the timing cover, or around it and I just cant see it. I think the only thing I have not changed out is the DCCV.
Click to expand...

Not under or through it, but it could be streaming down over it. There have been a few reported failures of the oil-to-water cooler.
 
I have looked the engine over with a light and still no luck finding the leak. New water pump should be here today so maybe get it replaced this weekend.
My question is... can the water pump leak into the timing cover? I see the water dropplets on the middle bolt on the bottom of the timing cover. So I think it may be leaking into the cover. I can not find where it is dripping above that. Also the car is cool and sitting, so no pressure on system, but still dripping slowly...
 
If it leaked into the timing cover, the coolant would mix with the engine oil and you'd have big problems by now.
If the cover had anywhere that stuff could leak out, it would be leaking oil out.
 
Ok, found the problem and yes .. O ring inside was toast. Thanks on that.... Now the water pump I ordered was a Gates water pump. Came with a metal gasket... but no O ring.... is there suppose to be one or does it not need it. Called local parts stores and they do not show a O ring... just the metal gasket... will call Gates in the morning but would really like my car up and running today... thoughts .....
 
So I was just told be a technician that the metal gasket replaces the O ring... not sure I agree ....
 
looking at the blow up on Ford parts.com only shows the metal gasket and no O ring replacement
 
nellenrob said:
looking at the blow up on Ford parts.com only shows the metal gasket and no O ring replacement
Click to expand...

Sorry, I should have said something sooner...
There is no o-ring on the gen II water pump. It only has the metal gasket with a bit of rubber (something like rubber) on it.
 
Thanks for all the help on this everyone... I have it all back together and everything is doing fine. As of now I have replaced everything on the cooling system...
That metal gasket has raised ribs around all the openings, and when torqued down they seal with out the use of rubber... that is what I have been able to learn in this adventure. Anyways it is all good and I thank you all...
 
joegr said:
Sorry, I should have said something sooner...
There is no o-ring on the gen II water pump. It only has the metal gasket with a bit of rubber (something like rubber) on it.
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Joger I might have to sell my gen 1 for a 2 cause it seems like Lincoln got they head out their a$$ on the gen 2 lol
 
I find that strange when I purchased my water pump it came with the rubber O ring and the metal gasket, the same setup was on the old water pump when I pulled it off And I have a first gen v8.
 
Blueberryyum02 said:
Joger I might have to sell my gen 1 for a 2 cause it seems like Lincoln got they head out their a$$ on the gen 2 lol
Click to expand...

I dont know if I'd go that far... they made a lot of things better, but still far from perfect.
 
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