Engine Leak Diagnosis - Pressure Test Needed in Seattle

[mikeheath]

I've got a 318 small block in my 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger that recently started leaking water/coolant between the water pump and the block (I think that's where it leaking at least) I attached a photo of where I've seen the leak.

Curious, on some insight here on a solution.

My dad and I rebuilt the engine (mostly dad) in Missouri, I live in Seattle. I'm without my in-house mechanic. He says I need to pressure test the engine to identify the leak source and go from there. Anyone in the Seattle area able to help a fellow Mopar owner out in diagnosising the problem. Happy to take recommendations of good places to go for the test or any other advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[volaredon]

That's easy
The gasket between the timing cover and the block had probably blown out. Seen it many times
The gasket surface on the timing cover might be ate out/pitted. Meaning a new timing cover

 

[Dana67Dart]

Your local auto parts store might have a radiator pressure tester.

Another option is to get some flourecsent die in the coolant and with a black light see where it's coming from

But if you can see coolant it's a good bet that's where the issue is.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Your locak Harbor Freight has a reasonably priced cooling system pressure tester. You have an old car. That's a tool you need to OWN, not borrow.

Radiator Pressure Tester Kit

Amazing deals on this Radiator Pressure Tester Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[CRUZE 418]

Timing cover gasket or water passage at the front of the intake manifold. Going to take a lot more to repair it than diagnose it.

 

[Murray]

Clean and dry the area first. Then pressurize it and give it time to heat up.

 

[crackedback]

clean it really good, dry it off and spray it with desenex foot powder.... You'll find your leak...

 

[Mojoe9955]

Foot powder?

 

[Oldmanmopar]

They make a dye you add to the oil you can look for the leak using a special light. System is Available at Harbor frieght. Do not pressurize the system, to much pressure and you'll be causing more leaks at other places.

 

[grjammer]

I used an Orion brand hand pump radiator test kit off amazon. A diluted mixture of dish soap and water in a squirt bottle showed me a couple of small leaks that could of been a disaster later on. Don't pressurize beyond a few psi past your radiator cap rating. I went to 20 for a 16 psi cap. After leak repairs held that pressure for hours. If I remember correctly the kit was around 50 dollars. Money well invested, and I still have the kit.

 

[cudamark]

Check your oil too. Those leaks can be internal too, if the cover is corroded. If you see "milkshake" on the dip stick, time to get on that leak immediately!