dirtylilhustler Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 While i was on the highway i noticed my engine temp was almost on "H". I dont know how long i was driving with a hot engine. But when i stopped, it was boing over. Anyways, when i drove it home the next dayi made sure it didnt get much hotter than 2/3 the way towards "H". I flushed the system (it was full so there were no leaks), put a gallon of 50/50 and i noticed theres a leak. Im having a hard time finding where the leak might be coming from. It doesnt leak a lot when sitting in the driveway, but if i start it up it begins to drip down off the back of the block where it meets the trans and also i see it dripping off the bottom of the oil pan. Did i fry my engine? I dont believe the leak is internal because for one i can see it leaking and two theres no coolant in my oil. Where might this leak be coming from? And how would i go about fixing it? Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Freeze plug on either back of head or back of block in bell housing. 1 Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Do you have any pictures? I heard they tend to rust and start to leak but in my case im pretty sure something happened because it started overheating Quote Link to comment
ddrum Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Could also leak from the head outlet in the rear passenger side. Could also be loose hose clamps (this happened to me last month). Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 i just started it up again and i can see coolant along the drivers side of the engine. i still dont see where it is coming from. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 While i was on the highway i noticed my engine temp was almost on "H". I dont know how long i was driving with a hot engine. But when i stopped, it was boing over. Anyways, when i drove it home the next dayi made sure it didnt get much hotter than 2/3 the way towards "H". I flushed the system (it was full so there were no leaks), put a gallon of 50/50 and i noticed theres a leak. Im having a hard time finding where the leak might be coming from. It doesnt leak a lot when sitting in the driveway, but if i start it up it begins to drip down off the back of the block where it meets the trans and also i see it dripping off the bottom of the oil pan. Did i fry my engine? I dont believe the leak is internal because for one i can see it leaking and two theres no coolant in my oil. Where might this leak be coming from? And how would i go about fixing it? It over heated but was full? While the core plugs can corrode and seep coolant it is very uncommon. Much more likely is a blown head gasket. Check along the joint between the head and the top of the block. The engine is lower to the rear and coolant can easily run back along the crease and drop down the back to the top of the transmission. 2 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Drivers side of engine? Intake gasket. Invest in an inspection mirror. 2 Quote Link to comment
Rick-rat Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Could be the gasket, water ports on the intake manifold between the head and manifold Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 ill check both gaskets tomorrow when theres sunlight. ill keep you guys posted. thank you Quote Link to comment
darrel Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 is it a stock carb? There is a hose that goes to the intake. tough to get to without taking various parts off. Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 yes darrel. engine is completely stock. i noticed it was leaking a little from the thermostat (i replaced it and the gasket wasnt a perfect fit), but the thermostat leak didnt seem significant enough to be gushing out as much as it is from what i see coming out underneath the truck. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 23, 2016 Report Share Posted April 23, 2016 Gushing? Would indicate the cooling system would be empty in a couple of minutes. The leak would be major. Dripping? Even a fast drip drip drip would take much longer. Wetness with a hanging drip even longer and a smaller leak. Well go with the evidence. You say there was a leak you may not have fixed on the thermostat housing. Water will run down hill. When driving, fan air may blow it to the rear along the block behind the exhaust manifold. Start looking around the thermostat housing. Keep in mind that over heating an aluminum head can warp it and allow the head gasket to 'blow'. 1 Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted April 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2016 I havent had time to fix it yet this weekend. But im assuming its the thermostat housing because it leaks before it gets warmes up enough for the thermostat to open up the cooling system through the engine. They gave me the wrong gasket (2 holes) but i decided to use it anyway. Ill have to order the 3 hole gasket and if that doesnt fix the problem i can assume its either the intake or head gaskets. Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted April 24, 2016 Report Share Posted April 24, 2016 I have been able to get individual engine gaskets for a L-16 at the Nissan dealer. I would assume (I know...) that you can also get gaskets for a L-20 engine from Nissan too. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 24, 2016 Report Share Posted April 24, 2016 The three hole thermostat housing is unique to the '79 and up L20Bs. An earlier 2 hole will work as well, but the proper gasket is likely the way to go. 1 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 Just go to AutoZone, get the cooling system pressure tester (deposit of refundable $80) follow the instructions (no more than 12-13 lbs of pressure) and start looking to see where the coolant starts to drip, that will save you time and get to the point. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 buy antiseize for those bolts if you dont break them antiseize is your friend and use it for the next time 1 Quote Link to comment
dirtylilhustler Posted May 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2016 it turns out it was just the thermostat gasket. thanks for the help everyone. Quote Link to comment
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