Final chapter in my head gasket job:

Carl's oil drain fix-it plug is holding tight, dodged an oil pan replacement here.

Found my belt tensioner dripping - thanks to Jim Page, that leak is fixed (yes, it is really fixed, no drips here).

Running strong, sounds great (idles a bit rough, need to check timing).

After a drive around the highway block - crawl under the car and see coolant - dripping off the middle of the oil pan - it's running from the front of the motor, down to the oil pan. Must be the water pump, not sure. No I didn't replace the pump with the new timing belt (it's less than a year old, seamed like a waste). I dunno, took the belt covers off, let it run for about 20 minutes in the garage, not a drop anywhere. I'm puzzled.

On the good news - my 79 survived another DE weekend. I'll have video's eventually.


EDIT - Took the car for a long drive again - after it's nice a warm, a little bit of cooland is burped up. Not much, not steady either, just a few drops:

 

Hi it might be a chance but look very carfully at the coolant hoses, a good chance that you may have a pinhole in one of them especially ones that were not removed for the TB replacement, Stan

 

Every hose is either brand new or less than a year old. Winter 2004 - 2005 I replaced every hose & vacuum lines. Good thought though, I'll double check them since I did man hadle a few to get the belt covers off / on. Could have damanged one.

 

Is the water pump 'weep' hole dry ??

G'luck.

 

Thermostat housing / water bridge.

 

All new gaskets / o-rings there. I also shoved paper towels into the spots I could not see up there, came out dry. The valley is bone dry up top.

 

Well then my good friend Erik ...... I hates ta tell ya .. it walks like a pump, it quacks like a pump .....

 

Well, as long as my new head gaskets are not leaking, I'm not all that upset.

 

The leak could be coming from the timing belt tensioner bolt which protrudes into the block's coolant passage.

 

Presure test the system, you'll find the leak!!!

 

That sux, Hack....Got my fingers crossed for you hoping its something SIMPLE!!!

(Andrew - light a 'hopeful' candle in the shrine for hacker!!!!)

 

Erik, if you need a pressure tester I have one at the house you can borrow. Has all the attachments, pretty nice unit.
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I'm with SwayBar or check all the hose clamps.

Dave Sz.
88 S4
80 Euro S

 

My tensioner is leaking too.
"Found my belt tensioner dripping - thanks to Jim Page, that leak is fixed (yes, it is really fixed, no drips here)."
Is there a post or online procedures for this? Can someone point me to it?

I have had problems on both my S4 and S2 where the upper rad hose hooks into the engine. It seems to have to be just right or it will leak. I would check here first. I thought it my water pump or the tensioner too. It was just a tiny leak at the hose.

 

Hacker,
My 79 has the same coolant leak. When I run the car, no leak. When I shut it down, the waterworks start. Looks like its coming from my thermostat housing. I'm going to begin with replacing the hose from the metal pipe to the thermostat housing. I'm praying that the 928 Gods will be pleased and its not leaking from the housing gaskets or O ring...