[tomj76]

I have a '96 Windstar with the 3.8L v6 engine, 205k miles.

There is a coolant leak coming from behind the front engine cover. I can see the coolant path. It is a slow drip (about 1-2 drips per minute) only after it has been driven. Once the engine cools, then drip mostly stops. The amount of coolant involved is small, only an ounce or two at a time.

There is a gasket behind the front engine cover, and it's my guess that this is what is leaking. I suppose the cover is used to distribute coolant from the pump to the heads, but I don't really know.

The Ford service manual instructs to remove the engine from the vehicle in order to service this gasket. I'm not going to be able to accomplish that feat.

Has anyone serviced this gasket without removing the engine? If I can remove the water pump, power steering pump and alternator, as well as any other stuff on the front of the engine, then what should stop me from removing the front cover as well?

Also, is it possible/reasonable to use a stop leak in the coolent to repair the leak, given that such is a slow drip?