Yeah!! It runs again - uh oh, is that antifreeze...

[anakilat]

I spent months tearing down and cleaning my 80 Euro to replace the Water Pump, and timing belt, remove the frozen air pump, and rebuilt the alternator. I finally got done, dropped it back on the ground and took it for a nice ride, about 10 miles in the city. Pulled up in the drive way back home and popped the hood - antifreeze everywhere. Looked in the right side TB cover with a flashlight and saw everything was wet. This is so frustrating! I know it's easier the second time but I was hoping the second time would be at least a year from now. Thanks for allowing me to vent, I'm feeling much better. At least I can say I drove it this year...

Oh yeah, because you're sure to want the info: a rebuilt Laso. I know, I know. Next time it won't be a rebuilt.

[Mrmerlin]

sorry your having issues with your car, your time spent fixing will pay off

[Landseer]

Usually they dump straight down.

Sure its not one of the hoses?

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by anakilat

I spent months tearing down and cleaning my 80 Euro to replace the Water Pump, and timing belt, remove the frozen air pump, and rebuilt the alternator. I finally got done, dropped it back on the ground and took it for a nice ride, about 10 miles in the city. Pulled up in the drive way back home and popped the hood - antifreeze everywhere. Looked in the right side TB cover with a flashlight and saw everything was wet. This is so frustrating! I know it's easier the second time but I was hoping the second time would be at least a year from now. Thanks for allowing me to vent, I'm feeling much better. At least I can say I drove it this year...

Oh yeah, because you're sure to want the info: a rebuilt Laso. I know, I know. Next time it won't be a rebuilt.

Mine leaked on the initial run, then I shut it down and did other stuff. Second start up and no leakage anywhere. I too was ready to turn into the HULK

I suspect the Fan Seal needed that initial heat to get it to seal. Expand then Contract. Hopefully this is your issue.

[anakilat]

I haven't opened it all the way up yet, I just assumed it was the WP when the inside of the timing belt covers was soaked. I could see it dripping off the upper tensioner roller. My first thought was the water manifold, maybe the thermostat o-ring, but all of that looked dry. I sure hope it stops itself. I figured I could drive it a couple of days without hurting it any worse. It didn't overheat at all, just made a mess. Even if I have to do it again it won't be as bad as the first time because I cleaned everything I could get near. Well that and now that I've done it once it doesn't seem near as daunting a task.

[Landseer]

Well, how did you address the pivot bolt?

It screws into an open passage of the waterpump.

How did you seal the threads?

Maybe its a bigger issue, maybe not.

I've found some unsuspected leak sources by putting about 5 psi of air pressure (no more) into the white filling reservoir. I used a spare cap, drilled a hole in it, and used one of those low pressure air blowing nozzles with the rubber tip to just add a tiny bit of pressure. You might be surprised of the source.

[chally72]

There are coolant pressure testers available at most auto parts stores. Rent one for a weekend. It uses a cap attached to a pump with a gage, so you can pump it up to the desired level and see if it maintains pressure. I pinpointed a head leak on my 951 using this tool. Very useful.

NOTE: Don't pump it up above the pressure rating of your original cap!

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by anakilat

I haven't opened it all the way up yet, I just assumed it was the WP when the inside of the timing belt covers was soaked. I could see it dripping off the upper tensioner roller. My first thought was the water manifold, maybe the thermostat o-ring, but all of that looked dry. I sure hope it stops itself. I figured I could drive it a couple of days without hurting it any worse. It didn't overheat at all, just made a mess. Even if I have to do it again it won't be as bad as the first time because I cleaned everything I could get near. Well that and now that I've done it once it doesn't seem near as daunting a task.

When I said try it a second time, I did about an hour later after I initially ran it. If it still leaks, then it's something else.

[928 Go Go Joe]

Question: If it is the water pump and the inside of the timing cover was soaked, doesn't the timing belt need to be replaced due to antifreeze contamination? Hope you find it's an easy fix. I know how frustrating these things can be. Best of luck.

Joe

[anakilat]

On the pivot bolt: I picked up some Permatex high temp sealant for that one bolt. I'd be happy if that's all it was. I'll find out next weekend when/if I open it up.

I have a radiator cap pressure tester, I just didn't think to use it. I'll do that first when I take the covers off. That's a great idea.

I'm tossed up about changing the TB. It's a non-interference engine so it isn't quite as critical (to me). I'll make the decision when I get in there.

[anakilat]

Oops, I meant I had a radiator pressure tester that connects with a radiator cap.

[Mrmerlin]

wash the belt with hot water and dawn soap, from you post it sounds like something else besides the WP the WP if its leaking will run down the front of the engine and down the center of the pan.
Note there is one long bolt that also secures the timing cover this passes through the water pump. The bolt is to the right of the crank looking at the engine. are you sure you put all of the pump bolts in?? Are you sure the hoses that attach to the water bridge are all good, usually there is a little nub that makes a hole in the 1 inch line and the top rad hose will ger a groove from the ring the small vent tube also can get a hole from a nub and any one of the hose clamps could also be loose

[baby shark]

hi....is the 80 euro interference or non interference...i've got a '78 euro that needs WP and TB.....

[JhwShark]

Originally Posted by baby shark

hi....is the 80 euro interference or non interference...i've got a '78 euro that needs WP and TB.....

Non-interference CIS...if it has not had any changes...

[anakilat]

Taking everyone's advice to heart, I methodically started taking apart the front end of the motor again. It was much easier this time. Part way in I discovered the pivot bolt had backed out about a 1/4 inch. This explains the water inside the front cover and the splashing all over the place. I don't remember any reason I would have left that bolt loose when I installed the timing belt, but as my kids say, "poo happens". I'll be keeping an eye on that bolt for a week or so just to be sure it isn't backing out on it's own for some reason.

I took it out for a 20 minute ride to warm it up good and no leak when I got home. The darn thing runs so good now that I'm starting to find all sorts of other things that need attention - like that fuel pump whine in the rear...

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and good advice.