mystery coolant leak

[Highmilagecutlass]

I replaced my lower intake gasket's 50,000 miles ago and recently I noticed coolant dripping from below my belt tensioner and then dripping from below the motor mount.

I'm tempted to pressurize the system and look for the leak but I fear that will make it worse.

 

Thanks

[19Cutlass94]

if the source of the leak is around the tensione area, your looking at a timing cover gasket. Unless the LIM is leaking again, and if you replaced it with the plastic version, its entirely possible.

[Highmilagecutlass]

So I looked today and it does appear to be leaking from the timing chain cover area, I was able to get a 1/4 turn on all of the bolts.

Now I will keep an eye on the drip and pick up the gasket and a seal.

 

Thanks for the input ! you guys are the best

[rich_e777]

I noticed the same thing when i jack up the front end. My Haynes book says the oil pan has to come off to change the T cover gasket, but I was told on another thread( by that guy^ actually whos done it) that it isnt really necessary. I can feel my gasket and its like really soggy thin cardboard, and i wouldnt midn seeing how everything comes apart on that side of the engine. Been dealing with the distributor plug oring and im tired of looking at that side of a 3100:lol:

[19Cutlass94]

Heres a few pictures of the timing cover off and oil pan still on.

 

[Highmilagecutlass]

Wow those are great pictures !

 

I'm planning to do a pressure test after I degrease the engine again and depending on what I see will tell me what gaskets to buy .

 

I might have to take it all the way down to the head gaskets , whatever it takes !

[Highmilagecutlass]

I noticed the same thing when i jack up the front end. My Haynes book says the oil pan has to come off to change the T cover gasket, but I was told on another thread( by that guy^ actually whos done it) that it isnt really necessary. I can feel my gasket and its like really soggy thin cardboard, and i wouldnt midn seeing how everything comes apart on that side of the engine. Been dealing with the distributor plug oring and im tired of looking at that side of a 3100:lol:

There is a youtube video of a guy that changed the timimg cover gasket , it's a 4 or 5 video series .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de6apKi07yI