[bhill86]

I climbed under my car today (77 Trans Am with a 69 400) for the first time in a while and noticed some fluid on the floor. It ended up being coolant that was dripping from the rear the engine/fly wheel area. I looked around the front of the engine near the water neck because I’ve had issues with that leaking before and running down the valley pan but that area was dry still. I could definitely see fluid pulled around the area of the distributor and back of the valley pan so I’m thinking the only other culprit could be the intake gasket for the water crossover. Does this seem likely or is there somewhere else I should be looking too?

[tjs72lemans]

It could be a freeze plug in back of block.

[Verdoro 68]

Could be as simple as the hose clamp on the heater hose nipple on the back of the head.

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Could be as simple as the hose clamp on the heater hose nipple on the back of the head.

True I didn’t think about checking that. I ran out of garage time and have to leave for work but I’ll check it.

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by tjs72lemans

It could be a freeze plug in back of block.

That’s what I was originally afraid of but I figured with the coolant on the valley pan back by the distributor my chances were better that it isn’t a freeze plug.

[PunchT37]

Check the intake bolts. Give em a good snuggin to see if any are loose.

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by PunchT37

Check the intake bolts. Give em a good snuggin to see if any are loose.

Worth a shot I guess

[Gary H]

I vote rear heater hose.

[PunchT37]

Always start with things that don`t cost anything. Then, move on. If it doesn`t work, oh well. No money lost.

[equidr]

I would go to the local parts store and borrow a cooling system pressure pump. That's the easiest way to figure it out.

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by equidr

I would go to the local parts store and borrow a cooling system pressure pump. That's the easiest way to figure it out.

That’s not a bad idea. Hadn’t thought of that either.

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Could be as simple as the hose clamp on the heater hose nipple on the back of the head.

Given the circumstances described, this would be the first place I would look. If it's dry, then continue looking in the other areas suggested above.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by Gary H

I vote rear heater hose.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This, I've seen pin holes in the heater hose show the same symptoms.

Pressure tester may show you exactly where it's coming from, this is usually the way a mechanic approaches this type of problem, and why I own one.

[Formulabruce]

Here is my take having seen this in a few Pontiacs, starting with my 428 GP.
The drivers side head water outlet area to the intake gasket has a tiny leak, on the bottom side.
So where does it go?
Along the TOP Edge of the valley pan, to the Dist area.
Could be intake is pitted or need a clean up, or failing gasket.
all IMHO....

[69hardtop]

Heater hose…..borrow the pressure tester from O’Reillys or whomever and you’ll have your answer quickly (mine was loose heater hose, just a few drops that would puddle by distributor - but when I pressurized it easy to see leak)

[PunchT37]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Here is my take having seen this in a few Pontiacs, starting with my 428 GP.
The drivers side head water outlet area to the intake gasket has a tiny leak, on the bottom side.
So where does it go?
Along the TOP Edge of the valley pan, to the Dist area.
Could be intake is pitted or need a clean up, or failing gasket.
all IMHO....

Yep. That’s why i said to check intake bolts earlier. Have seen that a few times too. Problem is actually hidden in the front.

Sometimes the gasket is not toast yet. Snug the bolts down and leak stops.

[bhill86]

I’ll try all that out and report back