The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop coolant leak

I just replaced my 235 with a 250 in my '59 Apache. It is leaking coolant at the front of the engine somewhere. I can't find the source because it don't do it constantly. It seems to do it before the engine has warmed up. I am thinking it might be the water pump gasket when the thermostat is closed but am worried that it might be the head gasket. The oil and water are not mixing or anything like that. Coolant is just coming out somewhere. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks a lot,
Gene

Take an inspection mirror & look under the water pump in back of the pulley. There is a vent hole in the pump. If there is coolant around there then the pump is leaking. I doute it is a head gasket.

I think if it was a head gasket you'd know by now haha, I'd take off the water pump and replace the gasket, use plenty of silicon on this one. replace the gasket on the thermostat housing too. It could even be your hose isn't clamped down tight enough.

Thanks for the replies. I went out this morning while it was still cold and stated it up and watched it til it started leaking. It was coming from the upper heater hose where it goes into the bottom of the thermostat housing. I am pretty sure that I fixed the problem.
Thanks again,
Gene