anti-freeze leak

[ped58]

There are 2 bolts that started to leak anti-freeze yesterday. They are at the front of the engine. Is it OK to tighten them or torque them down. I have been lifting the engine by the bell housing to replace rear motor mounts. Would this put undo strain on the bolts, they didn't leak all winter while in storage.

 

[tudoor]

Those bolts are for the front bearings cap, no antifreeze can leak from them. Maybe oil, because they go onto the oil pan. It more than likely its your water pump, I have also seen cracks in the block in that area that will cause leaks.

 

[Mitch//pa]

its definetly something leaking from above that running down...could be as easy as tightening the hose clamp hopefully

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

If it's the water pump packing nut, make sure it's snug and has grease around the two lead packing rings.
As Mitch mentioned, it's often the top hose clamps just need to be tightened.
I had a customer's top hose leak due to the uneven cast parting line on the outlet. It was an easy fix by grinding the parting line smooth with my Dremel.

I've also seen the top outlet crack near the mounting ears.

 

[1crosscut]

Check the grease fitting at the packing nut and bearing area of the water pump. It can leak antifreeze back out of the grease fitting if it doesn't have a bit of grease in it. If so put a 1/4 or so pump of grease into it. Happened to me last summer.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

The cap for the rear grease fitting should have a leather washer in it. If it's missing you could use a paper punch or gasket maker to cut a small circle of leather.