Thread: 1998 D1 V8 Coolant leak

After I fitted a 3.9 out of a DI to my RRC it developed a severe coolant leak from the rear of the engine.
It was very hard to see where it was coming from, even with a torch and a mirror.

I came to the conclusion it was either the intake manifold gasket or a head gasket. Working on the premise that I would have to remove the intake manifold anyway, I started loosening the bolts.

The rearmost two bolts on the drivers (right) side were only finger tight! I pulled the manifold completely off and it was easy to see where the coolant had been leaking.

A clean up of the manifold and head surfaces and a new valley cover gasket cured the leak in only one mornings work.

Yes that is one place but mine leaks from the backs and fronts of both heads after 90KK of mostly 30C - 45C towing, since the last time I did the heads with composite gaskets.
The water passages are between the end cylinders and the end of the head /block and usually they just leak coolant out the ends with no other problem.

If it is that, the leaks do no harm other than to leave stains and drool.
Do a compression test to be sure , but a drip every 5 seconds is a lot so maybe you should fix them, if it is that.

Regard sPhilip A

Originally Posted by BigJon

After I fitted a 3.9 out of a DI to my RRC it developed a severe coolant leak from the rear of the engine.
It was very hard to see where it was coming from, even with a torch and a mirror.

I came to the conclusion it was either the intake manifold gasket or a head gasket. Working on the premise that I would have to remove the intake manifold anyway, I started loosening the bolts.

The rearmost two bolts on the drivers (right) side were only finger tight! I pulled the manifold completely off and it was easy to see where the coolant had been leaking.

A clean up of the manifold and head surfaces and a new valley cover gasket cured the leak in only one mornings work.

BigJon, it was your thread that I read here that gave me number 2 on the list!

Now this problem only seems to have started since I replaced a blowing exhaust manifold gasket (on that same head) during the week, so it seems possible I suppose that torqueing up the exhaust manifold bolts could well have moved the head just enough to start the leak if the head bolts or inlet manifold bolts aren't tight enough.

I might just say stuff it, order the parts in for the worst case scenario - blown head gasket - and just do it anyway. It's 205k old and judging by the carbon I cleaned out of the exhaust manifold (and now blows out of the exhaust when given a good rev!) it's way overdue a decoke.

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll start dismantling soon and report back here.

Originally Posted by sheerluck

It's 205k old and judging by the carbon I cleaned out of the exhaust manifold (and now blows out of the exhaust when given a good rev!) it's way overdue a decoke.

Unless it's been done before, it's probably due for a camshaft & lifters too. Have a squiz while the manifold's off.

Originally Posted by Scouse

Unless it's been done before, it's probably due for a camshaft & lifters too. Have a squiz while the manifold's off.

I hadn't banked on a camshaft, but had allowed for lifters and pushrods. Hunting around, I can see that a camshaft by itself is $120 delivered from the UK. But I presume that on top of that it's advisable to replace other parts, like timing gear too?

Is there anything else in the "whilst you're in there you may as well....." category?

Note, I'm not intending to remove the engine (though I suppose I would have to if I need to replace the cam!), I was expecting to remove the heads with the block still in.

Originally Posted by sheerluck

I hadn't banked on a camshaft, but had allowed for lifters and pushrods. Hunting around, I can see that a camshaft by itself is $120 delivered from the UK. But I presume that on top of that it's advisable to replace other parts, like timing gear too?

Is there anything else in the "whilst you're in there you may as well....." category?

Note, I'm not intending to remove the engine (though I suppose I would have to if I need to replace the cam!), I was expecting to remove the heads with the block still in.

I did my cam with out removing the engine, remove the radiator and front grille and GENTLY lift the Aircon condensor and at the same time angling it on one side so that the rubber hose takes the twist not the pipes. Use a piece of rope to suspend it to your bonnet (hood), then you have enough room to pull the camshaft out from the front

Originally Posted by It'sNotWorthComplaining!

I did my cam with out removing the engine, remove the radiator and front grille and GENTLY lift the Aircon condensor and at the same time angling it on one side so that the rubber hose takes the twist not the pipes. Use a piece of rope to suspend it to your bonnet (hood), then you have enough room to pull the camshaft out from the front

That's good to know, thanks. I didn't think there was enough clearance!

When renewing the cam, what other parts are recommended to be changed at the same time?

Cam, lifters, timing set (chain and gears), rocker arms and shafts.

New gaskets as required.

Oil and filter when done.