catalina27-talk: Coolant Leak - Green Stuff

[Theorro]

Members,

I have a 1984 M-18 diesel.  It has about 500 hours on it.  I check my coolant level each time I depart.  For the last two years,  I have had to add about an ounce (oz) to the coolant system each time I go out. 


At this pont, it wasn't a problem.  I have an oil zorb underneath the engine to serve as a tell tale for my engine leaks.  To date I saw no signs of green (coolant) leakage.  My coolant cap has not been replaced, but it secures tightly to the manifold top. 

I sense the leak is coming from two possible spots.  It is either a gasket ?  or one of the manifold/coolant drain valves ?  I have read the M-18 engine specs and have found out that there is a manifold/coolant drain PLUG near the oil filter.  I can not see it or check it because of the numerous stuff ( alternater, return coolant hoses and engine starter apparatus)  located in that immediate area.

I would normally leave it alone and keep adding coolant as needed.  However, this past November, I changed my oil (and filter)  again and started the engine.  I did not see any immediate leaks, but after I shut down the engine and waitind about an hour -  I saw a lot of green coolant in the bilge (recent stuff - still green).

Where should I look for the leak ?   It CAN"T  be the overflow mechanism (which I do not have - only a hose running from tha manifold cap which empties out into engine compartment and then the bilge) since the engine never came up to running temperature when I changed the oil. 

Bob "Eileen"   1984   #5641