strange coolant leak

[pcguy]

Have a coolant leak around the pan seal just under the timing chain cover (see red circle in photo - this is a stock photo. not the engine in question). No sign of coolant coming from anywhere above the red line.

Happens with the engine cold and stops leaking shortly after turning it off???

Appreciate any help here - thought I had seen most leaks, but now this....

Nick

[pcguy]

Stranger yet, I hooked a pressure test at about 16 pounds and the coolant starts to drip almost immediately. Thought that I might be a bit more daring with the engine off - checked it all again just now and still can't find the source.

No heat, thermostat closed and standard pressure - no sign of coolant above the top of the pan??? Also checked both freeze plugs on the front of the block.

Anyone think it could be a hairline crack in the block?

Might need to rearrange cars and put it up on the lift with the external pressure test - too many cars.

[Smiley]

Check the weep hole on the water pump.

[spencerforhire]

If you don't see any wet around the weep hole, the leak could be around the shaft of the water pump; it will drip out from the back of the pulley and land right on the harmonic balancer where you have indicated.

[pcguy]

Found the problem - had to remove the alternator (passenger side) and behind all the grease buildup (just bought this one), sliding down behind the curved edge of the timing chain cover was a stream of coolant coming from the passenger side water pump gasket.

Thanks again,
Nick