Coolant Leak on 427

[Shawn W.]

I recently inherited a 1969 Corvette from my father that has been in our family for 33 years. The car only has 47,000 miles on it and unfortunately has not been driven much in the the past 5 years. The car has a 427/390 HP engine.

After driving the car last week I noticed coolant on the floor. After opening the hood I also found coolant on the hood above the fan area. All of hose looked to be OK but the coolant leak was in the area of the lower radiator hose so i changed it. Unfortunately the leak is still there

I am wondering if it could be a water pump seal or failing water pump? If it is a seal would you recommend changing the water pump anyway given the age of the car?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

clean every thing off and then pressurize the system and then look for leaks without the engine running because the fan blows the coolant all around and it is hard to tell were the leak is

[Terry B.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

Hi Shawn,

It certainly could be the water pump. Before you take it off, however, check and tighten all the hose clamps on the radiator and the hose above the water pump that goes to the engine. I would then wipe off all the areas that have coolant traces such as on the radiator hoses any other traces of coolant such as the heater hose connections to the engine. Then start the car and let it run until it gets to operating temperature, at least 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the car off and start looking for the coolant trail. You might be surprised where it will show up. It might be the radiator. If it turns out to be the water pump and it is original to the car, have it rebuilt not replaced. There are people who do this work in the Driveline.

Good luck,

Terry

[Clem Z.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

you need something like this to pressuerize the system. http://www.harborfreight.com/radiato...kit-65053.html

[Edward J.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

Shawn, some great info here. I can tell you from my experience that the water pump weep hole is on the underside of the water pump, which you cannot see unless you remove the w/p pulley. what generally happens is the anti freeze runs down hill On the lower hose side and can make it appear as a lower hose leak when in fact the anti freeze is running out the weep hole and down the lower hose. Good luck Ed

[John H.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

After driving the car last week I noticed coolant on the floor.

Shawn -

Is that on the passenger side floor, below the inside heater case?

[Paul J.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

Shawn -

Is that on the passenger side floor, below the inside heater case?

Thanks for asking this John. I think he might have more than one leak.

Shawn, welcome to the world of vintage car ownership!

Paul

[Shawn W.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

Ed,
This was also brought to my attention by the maintenance superintendent at work. Looks like a have a water pump to remove, rebuild, and reinstall.

[Shawn W.]

Re: Coolant Leak on 427

For those that asked if the leak was inside the car on the passenger side I had that leak 2 months ago and replaced the heater core. FUN was an understatement....

I will wipe everything off again and before I start in on the water pump and seal. I very much appreciate the quick response to my question.

As someone mentioned, Oh the joy of vintage cars. I see many scraped knuckles, bruises, and choice words in my future.