Somethihg is leaking

dlfrisch

dlfrisch

Senior Member
I have small spots on my firewall above the starter area only. Not oil, so it feels like maybe antifreeze. What else (huh) could it be? I can not figure out where it is coming from. The radiator was down about a quart of 50/50 antifreeze. I keep the level just above the radiator top area So, I filled it and took a 20 mile test ride. Yes, the small spots were back there again. I can not find any place where the radiator is leaking.
 
Possible anti freeze that blows out around your radiator cap when driving. After running your car, open your radiator cap and check for foaming anti freeze. If so, then possible compression leak. Bad head gasket?
Or you may have a leaky top tank that only leaks while driving? Just a couple things to consider. Good luck.
 
Could be coming out of the overflow hose that connects to the radiator neck and goes down the side. If your Radiator is not pressurized it will leak a little. Well, mine does. Good luck!
 
Seal the radiator cap. An oring works well. Then make sure the overflow tube doesn't have any damage. Push a length of rubber tubing onto the overflow tube if its not long enough to get it below the level where the fan air can catch the coolant. Also address why it is pushing out coolant, don't overfill, put a roofing nail in the top of the overflow tube, have you retorqed the head recently?
 
Ray64 said:
Could it be oil from blow by? New oil can look very clear on paint My 2 cts. RAY
Click to expand...

I'm thinking the same. The oil breather is a lot closer to the area you are seeing the spots. Try putting a sock over the breather to "filter" the blow-by.

If that works you might consider a breather tube. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978867&cat=41694

The breather tube also acts as a road draft tube, which will help remove unburned hydrocarbons, water and acids from your crankcase.
 
Next time you see it take your finger and swipe some up and taste it. You should be able to tell by taste if it is oil or coolant.

For finding coolant leaks dabbing wadded up toilet paper around suspect areas is helpful in pinpointing the source.
 
You might be seeing the signs of a leaky head gasket. In advance of replacing it try retorqueing the head. This must be done with the engine cold, using the recommended torque of 50#-ft, and following the proper sequence of tightening. Check to see if the engine oil on the dip stick has a milk chocolate-brownish color. This would be a sign of a leaky head gasket.
 
Your post is precisely the reason why I I don't use anti-freeze in my Model As. I don't drive the cars in Maine during the winter and the cars are drained. I use Prestone Anti-Rust and Water Pump Lubricant. You live in Florida (I am in Florida also during the winter) so you can use the Prestone all year. Water is less apt to leak out than a mixture of anti-freeze and water. It is a good idea to drain your cars during long storage periods to stop minor leaks into the engine. Ed
 
I personally have a crack in my block's water jacket around the bottom edge of cylinder 4 that would have a distinct possibility of dropping coolant in the location you mention especially if being driven. To echo above I would look for a head gasket leak.
 
I'd say give it the smell/ taste test first. A tiny amount won't hurt you. Then you'll know what your dealing with.
 
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