dtreat
Newbie
Posts: 10
Loc: Virginia
Reg: 10-25-20
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 01-18-21 08:20 PM - Post#2812373
I have a 50 Styleline with a 216. It was my fathers, and his father's before him. Been sitting in a barn for the last 20 years. Couple days ago I removed the spark plugs and tried to turn the engine with the fan belt. No luck at first. Used a pry on the balancer to turn it, it didn't take much to get it to turn. Pulled the belt back and forth, just a bit. Yesterday noticed an oil leak (remember this has been sitting for 20 years and no leak for the 3 months it's been in my garage). Stuck a pan under it as I didn't have time to work on it. Today, about 1/2 quart of oil in the pan. I can see it dripping from under the water pump and running down onto the timing cover.
So, my question is, how can oil be leaking from the water pump? I didn't think that possible. And why now? I wouldn't think there would be that much oil up that high in an engine sitting for years. I'm not a mechanic, so forgive me if it's obvious.
Thoughts?
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 RAM_51
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5939
Loc: Yakima, WA. USA
Reg: 12-28-02
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01-18-21 08:37 PM - Post#2812375
In response to dtreat
My initial question is, since water generally would be what one would expect leaking from the water pump, is water in the radiator? Is there anything (meaning maybe something else) in the radiator? I'd undo the drain cock at the bottom of the radiator and see what comes out.
The only liquid a the front of the engine up that high would be [1] as you surmised, water from the water pump, [2] oil leaking from the the valve cover, or [3] a ruptured fuel line.
Another possibility is that the car suffered a blown head gasket and oil has gotten into the cooling system and over the years has separated and is now floating on top of any water in the cooling system. Maybe drain the oil as well and see what that reveals. Did someone decide that since the car was going to be stored, to drain the water and put oil in the cooling system instead...which goes back to my question of anything else being in the radiator.
1951 Fleetline Preservation
'51 Fleetline DeLuxe 2 DOOR SEDAN (Fathom Green)
'51 Styleline Special BUSINESS COUPE (Shadow Gray)
'53 6500 Dump Bed (Oxidized Red)
'50 Styleline DeLuxe 4 DOOR SEDAN (Mist Green) |
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dtreat
Newbie
Posts: 10
Loc: Virginia
Reg: 10-25-20
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01-18-21 08:51 PM - Post#2812376
In response to RAM_51
Thank you, what a quick reply.
My next step was going to be to drain the radiator, so I'll report back what I find. It sure doesn't seem like water/coolant, it really looks like oil. Clean oil. Oil on the dipstick looks clean too (I expected old nasty black oil). My dad must have changed the oil before sticking it in the barn. Anyway, I'll drain it and see.
Any ideas on why it would start leaking after so many years when all I did was turn the pulleys?
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RAM_51
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5939
Loc: Yakima, WA. USA
Reg: 12-28-02
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01-18-21 09:18 PM - Post#2812377
In response to dtreat
Any ideas on why it would start leaking after so many years when all I did was turn the pulleys?
I would assume you broke something loose that may have crusted over. It may be coolant...but check the radiator and let us know what you discover. Your block may have a drain cock as well...on the left side back by the transmission. You may want to open that also.
1951 Fleetline Preservation
'51 Fleetline DeLuxe 2 DOOR SEDAN (Fathom Green)
'51 Styleline Special BUSINESS COUPE (Shadow Gray)
'53 6500 Dump Bed (Oxidized Red)
'50 Styleline DeLuxe 4 DOOR SEDAN (Mist Green) |
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 drtyler
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 582
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 05-06-10
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01-19-21 07:23 AM - Post#2812393
In response to RAM_51
Any chance that you can provide pictures?
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dtreat
Newbie
Posts: 10
Loc: Virginia
Reg: 10-25-20
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01-19-21 02:59 PM - Post#2812425
In response to dtreat
Best I could do for a picture. You can see the wet among all the dirt. Even got my acorn stash...
Seems to be coming from the bottom of the water pump, I can't find any evidence on the top of it.
Will try to drain the radiator later tonight if I get some time.
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dtreat
Newbie
Posts: 10
Loc: Virginia
Reg: 10-25-20
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01-19-21 07:03 PM - Post#2812435
In response to dtreat
Definitely same fluid as what is in the radiator. Guess that is a good thing. I'll take off the water pump to check for any damage and replace the gasket.
Thoughts, should I just replace the water pump while I have it out?
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 alltak
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 284
Loc: dallas texas
Reg: 10-04-04
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01-19-21 08:14 PM - Post#2812437
In response to dtreat
Yes or rebuild it. I don't remember if these have a weep hole....
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RAM_51
"5th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5939
Loc: Yakima, WA. USA
Reg: 12-28-02
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01-20-21 09:54 AM - Post#2812475
In response to dtreat
Definitely same fluid as what is in the radiator.
Good news! At minimum, replace the gasket and see what that does.
1951 Fleetline Preservation
'51 Fleetline DeLuxe 2 DOOR SEDAN (Fathom Green)
'51 Styleline Special BUSINESS COUPE (Shadow Gray)
'53 6500 Dump Bed (Oxidized Red)
'50 Styleline DeLuxe 4 DOOR SEDAN (Mist Green) |
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