Bob, I don't know if this is your source or not, but on the aft part of the engine is the manifold (where the muffler comes out). There is a flange that attaches the muffler to the engine. The bottom half of this flange uses a gasket to seal the coolant. This is a likely spot for the leak. If you can look at the engine from either side access panel, you may be able to see this spot. Most likely, you'll have to feel around instead.
Mirrors and flashlights might help, too.
Good luck,
Bob Mann
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Arthur Haan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
BobSojourn hasn't had that problem yet but we will be interested in your investigation.Good luck,Art HaanSojournC27TR #5476 (1984 M18)Pentwater, MI----- Original Message -----From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:28 PMSubject: catalina27-talk: Coolant Leak - Green StuffMembers,
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 ( alternate! r, 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
