Coolant leakage 4.3L

[Herrintr]

Problem. When coolant is poured into the radiator (water in this case to save fluid costs) it comes out of the engine as quick as it is poured in. The water comes out just above the oil pan where it is connected to the engine block, on the passenger side about three quarters of the way back from the front of the oil pan. There is no water in the oil. There are no visible runs from other parts of the engine. I've been told it could be a freeze plug, bad head gaskets or a cracked block. The engine may have been overheated (kids were driving it for a work vehicle and may not have been checking the fluid levels????).

Questions:

1. Does it sound like warped head gaskets? Wouldn't water be in the oil? Wouldn't it leak higher on the engine somewhere?

2. Does it sound like a freeze plug? Again, wouldn't it be leaking from somewhere else?

3. Does it sound like a cracked block?

Generally, why would the water be trickling out (at a fast pace) from that area of the engine as fast as I pour it in the radiator.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

[busa_4]

i new a buddy with an 4.3 el camino with the same problem. passenger side engine leaking coolant. it turned out to be freeze plug. it was the freeze plug on the passenger side closest to the fire wall. you can purchase the freeze plug at any auto parts store. you will need to gain acces to the freeze plug so the passenger wheel liner needs to removed or flipped out of the way. you will need a ratchet socket that will fit into the freeze plug, a long extension, hammer, and high temp sealant. before you do this drain the engine block of coolant. there is a block plug on the side of the block that allows you to do this. you will also need to clean the freeze plug serface before attempting to put the new one in. you dont want the new plug to leak. good luck!

[Herrintr]

So it sounds like I don't have to take the manifold or other engine parts off to get to the freeze plug. Chiltons showed it with the complete engine out. Thanks for the reply.

[dugie6551]

It does sound like a freeze plug -OR- it could be a heater core hose. If you remove the inner fender from the wheelwell you should hace the best access. You should not have to remove the engine, but you may have to remove some accessories (starter, exhaust manifold, etc.) to get at the problem area. Get under the truck and have someone else fill the rad and find out where it is leaking first. You should powerwash the motor and try using a bright colour food colouring in the water (maybe red or yellow) to find the leak. Then you will be able to pin-point the leak.
Goodluck !!!!