Massive coolant leak at rear of engine after water pump r&r

[MikeDiehl]

Hi all,
We just finished replacing the water pump on our '96, and now have water flowing from the BACK of the engine.

We had difficulty getting the crank pulley bolt out and attempted the "Starter bump" method. When we did it, the engine jolted petty violently. I'm HOPING that we knocked something loose, but we can't find it. :frusty:

Any suggestions?

Mike.

 

[phattyduck]

#1 leak at the back of the engine would be the heater valve. If not, then maybe coolant is leaking into the valley and coming out at the back. Lower intake manifold gaskets do seal coolant and can also leak in that location, along with rust (haven't seen it, but it is possible) on the coolant bypass pipe between the rear and front of the engine in the V.

-Charlie

 

[2TH4IST]

Check the heater hoses coming off the back of the engine. Looks like a massive question mark. Also the heater valve and all the hoses going to them.

But phattyduck is correct, the lower intake manifold gaskets do rust out. Mine rusted out around 230k and I did a 5vz tacos lower manifold gasket from you guessed it, rust! I use oem, unless in a pinch (5vz taco) and used felpro IIRC.

 

[Malcolm99]

Could also be a frost plug, lets hope it isn't the ones behind the bell housing...

 

[fourfive]

Could also be a frost plug, lets hope it isn't the ones behind the bell housing...

Good point about checking the freeze plugs. Think I remember seeing a small leak from one of the plugs at the front of my engine.