186 motor dripping water

[pfillery]

My 186 in my series 3 just started dripping water from somewhere on the block, at first glance looks like it is near the pulleys at the front. Drips faster when the engine is running, more of a trickle. Can't see any leaks in the hoses at all and it isn't coming from the radiator. Water pump maybe? (Are these prone to failing?) Any experts know what or where this is likely to be leaking and the simplest remedy? I am yet to look properly with a torch (a job for my lunch break) but wondering if there is a common spot these leak water (hell they leak oil from almost everywhere so anything is possible):(

[Gippslander]

Most probably the water pump mechanical seal it is cheaper to buy a new one at auto parts store like Repco they come with all the right gaskets etc. If you look up underneath the pump behind the pulley(engine stopped) with a mirror you will observe a small slot where the water pump leaks when the seal is worn.

Frank

[pfillery]

As I know little about the 186 (this is the first car I've owned with one in it) I'm assuming that the water pump is behind the pulley where the fan would normally be (has been removed for an electric fan) at the front of the engine? Despite my best efforts I have been unable to find a manual for these engines. Presumably it is a bolt on bolt off part, drain the water and whack the new one in, probably taking the opportunity to drain and flush the system at the same time?

[bee utey]

Holden Red Motor 161, 173, 186, 202 Water Pump 1969-79 (eBay item 280611524517 end time 05-Mar-11 11:38:00 AEDST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Red-Motor-161-173-186-202-Water-Pump-1969-79-/280611524517?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4155c00fa5)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOLDEN-WORKSHOP-MANUAL-HK-HT-HG-/230582235175?pt=AU_Clothing_Merchandise_Media&hash=item35afc5b027

[Gippslander]

The water pump is the piece that held the fan, it will still have the pulley mounted on it to allow the alternator to drive. Yes it is bolted directly to the front of the block with a gasket in between. It will allow you to check the condition of the water jacket in the block when you remove the pump you can see the water jacket. If it is rusty you may be advised to run a descaler in the engine water system for a short period to clean it up. Then drain the system before putting the normal inhibitor back with fresh water to keep it clean. You should be able to get a reasonable manual at Super Cheap or Repco.

[pfillery]

You should be able to get a reasonable manual at Super Cheap or Repco.

Can you get just a manual for the engine though? I have looked and they all seem to be by car model, so I could get one for the Kingswood with a 186 but don't need all the other stuff.

I'm surprised that despite several attempts to google a manual online, there don't seem to be any uploaded. Managed to download the full factory landrover series 3 manual easilly but no sign of a holden red 6 one anywhere.

[Gippslander]

www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/holden_red_motor.htm Check this site it may help.
Frank

[omy130]

Welsh Plugs???

I remember replacing heaps of them with my old man back in the day in the Holdens. Even used to cut a hole in the firewall on some cars to get to the rear ones rather than pull the motor out.

[pfillery]

Pulled the hose off that goes to the bottom of the radiator and the water pump last night. The alloy on the entry to the pump was corroded completely away. The water was running back down and looked like it was coming from the pump. Different problem but same result. $36 later (plus multiple hand injuries and 2 times hitting my head on the bonnet catch) and a new water pump is fitted.