[CraigG.]

Hey everybody,
Where do Leaks typically occur that roll backward to the transmission pan?
I can't seem to track it from the back side of the engine by the flexplate.
I have a stock block and E–heads.
Thanks again, Craig

[tooski]

I had a minor one that would leave a small puddle on the floor under one edge of the flexplate. Could not locate it until I crawled under the car before I shut the engine down after a good run. It was weeping a drop every few seconds or more. Dripping was gone when the engine cooled. It was coming from a frost plug. I added a bit of Barr's Leak (similar to the GM coolant leak pellets). Stopped the leak, but made the coolant look a bit 'dirty'.

[ta man]

Check your heater hose.

[Greg Reid]

Freeze plug is the first thing I thought when I read the subject. If you can borrow a pressure tester, it'll show you right where it's coming from.

[Tom Vaught]

Heater Hose and core plugs on the back of the block would be my first guess.
Do not believe E-heads have core plugs on the front and rear face of the heads like stock cast heads. I had a head core plug, rear of passenger head fail and cause the same dripping of water. Pulled the heads in a parking lot and changed the plugs in both heads in 1974.

Tom V.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by CraigG.

Hey everybody,
Where do Leaks typically occur that roll backward to the transmission pan?
I can't seem to track it from the back side of the engine by the flexplate.
I have a stock block and E–heads.
Thanks again, Craig

check the heater hose threaded fitting/plug on the back of the heads, i had some very minor seepage there with the plug on drivers side, re did the thread sealer & tightened down the plug more & leak stopped.

[Murf]

From past experience, I would suggest not limiting your search to the rear of the motor. That stuff is sneaky and can travel undetected in some on the darnedest ways! DAHIK

Good luck!
Murf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sdbob]

Years ago a poor guy in our club had same problem. I went to help him. Jacking car up I crawled under to start loosening trans bolts. I reached and grabbed heater hose not leaking, started further loosening bolts, drip hit me. Yep the heater hose connection. I cut it off cleaned nipple no further leak. Might be cheap to replace hose clean fittings then see.

[CraigG.]

Thanks Guys for all the responses!
No heater here.
Keep your thoughts coming if have them - I'm always glad to learn more.
Take Care, Craig

[steve25]

My moneys on that side of the motor needing a new head gasket.

If so pull both heads and get them resurfaced to a mirror finish even if you have to travel a good distance to find an shop with hopefully a dimond cutter which would be the best!

[lust4speed]

As mentioned above a few times, leaks can be sneaky and the engine not only has a tilt to the rear but the fan pushes everything to the back. A leaking intake manifold crossover gasket at the front will run down the valley pan and out the rear of the engine. Sometimes you get lucky and can spot a puddle on the flat where the distributor sits. Check the threaded plugs in top of the heads at the back where the heater nipple would have gone - surprising how the aluminum head and steel plug will start to leak months after initial tightening. The two big expansion plugs in the rear of the block could be likely suspects, and can also be looked at with a smaller inspection mirror between flexplate and block, but not easy.

[CraigG.]

Thanks Guys - will report when work and family permits!