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Old 07-28-2025, 08:32 AM   #1
spinelll
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Default Follow-up on Coolant Leak

Referring to this post:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...72#post2400872


Ready for this? The rear Zerk fitting on the water pump was leaking. Not around the threads but at the ball. Replaced the Zerk, pumped a small amount of grease, and the leak vanished. I didn't see it until a buddy showed up with a rear strong drop light.


On a related note, my coolant was just about appearing in the top tank, well below the overflow pipe. Started and idled for a few minutes and lots of coolant exiting the overflow. Drove for about ten minutes and immediately checked the temp with a meat thermo and read 190.
Is that a normal temp for the very top of the tank?


BTW, I really appreciate all of the responses.


Leo
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Old 07-28-2025, 08:45 AM   #2
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: Follow-up on Coolant Leak

A photo of the water pump would help. The rear grease fitting is not supposed to be the standard Zerk fitting, like at the front of the housing. That Zerk will leak water from inside the cylinder head. The pressure of the rushing coolant will force the water out through the Zerk's nozzle and cause a leak. There is a special Zerk fitting with a brass cover that goes on the back of the water pump. Put that one on and your leakage problems there will be gone. If you installed another standard Zerk fitting, it's just a matter of time before the internal check ball lets loose and the leaking begins again. Here's the link to the correct Zerk fitting: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...9237&cat=41793
Marshall
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Old 07-28-2025, 09:33 AM   #3
nkaminar
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Default Re: Follow-up on Coolant Leak

190 at the top of the tank is probably OK but it is hot. Use an IR thermometer to measure the temperature at the bottom tank of the radiator, the coolant inlet to the engine, and various places on the engine and head.

Do you use a thermostat?
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Old 07-28-2025, 10:05 AM   #4
spinelll
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Default Re: Follow-up on Coolant Leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut View Post
A photo of the water pump would help. The rear grease fitting is not supposed to be the standard Zerk fitting, like at the front of the housing. That Zerk will leak water from inside the cylinder head. The pressure of the rushing coolant will force the water out through the Zerk's nozzle and cause a leak. There is a special Zerk fitting with a brass cover that goes on the back of the water pump. Put that one on and your leakage problems there will be gone. If you installed another standard Zerk fitting, it's just a matter of time before the internal check ball lets loose and the leaking begins again. Here's the link to the correct Zerk fitting: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...9237&cat=41793
Marshall
Thanks.
I do remember seeing that on some members cars.
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Old 07-28-2025, 10:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: Follow-up on Coolant Leak

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Quote:
Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
190 at the top of the tank is probably OK but it is hot. Use an IR thermometer to measure the temperature at the bottom tank of the radiator, the coolant inlet to the engine, and various places on the engine and head.

Do you use a thermostat?
I don't run with a stat.
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