Coolant leak

[chrisgarrett]

Just re-installed my engine, and I have a coolant leak.  I removed the girdle and installed steel caps.  The top end was never opened up and never leaked before.  I first noticed the coolant as a drip on the inspection cover.  I thought it was coming out of the back of the pan, past the crappy rubber gasket I had on there.  I drained the oil, and found no coolant.  I removed the inspection cover and it had coolant in it.  I dropped the pan and found no coolant.  The entire engine is dry - no visible leaks anywhere, and no drips on the floor.
I'm wondering if it is coming out of the rear freeze plug. I can't really see up there.  If it is, is it fixable with pulling the engine?

[ULYCYC]

Put a pressure tester on it. Could be the small freeze plugs in the back of the heads.

[chrisgarrett]

How many pounds Ed?  If it is one of the plugs in the back of the engine, can I fix it without pulling the engine?  And, if it is a freeze plug what do you think of Cadillac Pills?

[87granny]

Put a pressure tester on it. Could be the small freeze plugs in the back of the heads.

X2 on that one i had one rust out back there only leaked after it ran for 15 to 20 minutes if you remove the inspection cover look up there with a light you mabe able to see the traces of coolant i did both of the ones back their whiole the trans was out

[chrisgarrett]

So they are fixable with the engine in the car?

[ULYCYC]

If you have a leak it won't build much pressure. As you pump it up it will be splashing all over your shoes. Caddy pills are for porous aluminum blocks and people who don't know how to install head bolts or studs. They sell a expansion type freeze plug that you tighten a center nut. They work and can be done in the car. Used one on a 9sec GN at the BPG event last summer and worked fine. Change it when you blow a headgasket next time

[chrisgarrett]

Will I need to drop the trans to access the plug?

[87granny]

Will I need to drop the trans to access the plug?

If that's where it's leaking from yes you'll have to drop the trans i baught the brass freeze plugs from Postons when they were still in buisness and came with everyone on the engine i can get you the number of the kit off the 2nd set i have at work if you need but i think you can get them seperatly

[turbo nasty]

Pull the flexplate to

[chrisgarrett]

Pull the flexplate to

I was hoping to avoid that.  I'm thinking it's not so easy when you're lying on your back.

[87granny]

Pull the flexplate to

I was hoping to avoid that.

[chrisgarrett]

No, I'm not sure. I just can't imagine where else it could becoming from.  It's in the inspection cover only - no where else.  I'm going to pressurize the system tonight and that should verify if it's coming from a freeze plug.

[SuperSix]

Is a dye-tracing kit worth it?

I need to buy a rad pressure tester.

[chrisgarrett]

Is a dye-tracing kit worth it?

I need to buy a rad pressure tester.

I'm thinking the pressure tester will answer all my questios.  :confused;

[Charlief1]

Is a dye-tracing kit worth it?

I need to buy a rad pressure tester.

Yes, they do work. I've used dye to locate quite a few leaks over the years. It can be used in the water, oil, gas, and AC system to detect leaks. The lights are a little pricey but the dye is pretty cheap.