Coolant leak.. but from where??

[Cathy9888]

97 Mustang GT 4.6L 2V

When we purchased the car, the previous owner said there was a coolant leak, but assumed it was the intake manifold. That has now been replaced... and there's still a leak. Our knowledge of the underbelly just isn't extensive enough to determine where the drips are coming from.

Hoping some of your experienced, expert eyes will have an idea...

Here are a couple photos.. I'll post a link to the video. The video is long, but its because he's just blindly looking around, hoping to spot something. LOL

Video: https://home.mycloud.com/action/share/b997b089-7a2e-4ba0-bdd0-4c88cafab637

97 mustang GT 4.6L

 

[07GtS197]

There is a block drain above the motor mount, check for tightness. Also it could be coming from a freeze plug. Clean everything as best you can and check for wet spots after pressurizing the system by running it.

 

[Cathy9888]

Thank you for your input!!

Husband says the leak did not (appear to) happen when the car was running.. at least, it didn't last night while he was working on something else. He said the freeze plug is what he checked first... but as I read your comment to him, his ears perked up at "drain above the motor mount". LOL. He said he thought it looked like it was on the block, but couldn't be sure.

What would you recommend for checking/fixing that? The access to it alone is a real PITA.

Thank you!!

 

[Cathy9888]

Another video.. still can't tell where the drips are coming from, but you can clearly see its leaking at a pretty good clip...

received_1799886113710638.mp4

Shared with My Cloud Home

home.mycloud.com

 

[Cathy9888]

Update: behind the block & above the transmission is clear & dry.

 

[cobrajeff96]

That would mean the heater hoses on the rear of the block are probably ok. I'm not sure how it is with SOHC engines but I know the DOHCs integrated coolant passages and oil passages together for an oil cooling circuit right where the oil filter is. Might be worth looking at as well.

Was there oil residue in those photos? I couldn't be sure.

 

[NEURON]

I would put it up on jack stands and use a radiator tester/pressurizer to pressurize it and climb under and take a look(with proper eye protection).

 

[RAU03MACH]

My guess is head gasket
like i say i dont want to jinx anyone but warped heads from overheating is a big problem
then again could be the water pump tube under the intake running out the back end
then again could be the cross over tube up front with thermostat
need to really look everything over

 

[Notthenow]

Check the oil filter/cooler gasket. Know to fail and cause coolant leaks. The leak can travel and come out a little farther back. Very common.