1997 Ford Taurus coolant leak at block by water pump

1997 FORD TAURUS
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BUMBLEGUY
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Engine Cooling problem
1997 Ford Taurus 6 cyl

I have a coolant leak behind the water pump at the gasket between the block and the pump base (timing belt cover?). It appears that it is not the the water pump gasket, but the one behind it. I was assuming that I just needed a new water pump, but noticed the leak was farther back. (no leakage at the seep holes on the pump) Am I in for a more serious job? I don't have access to a diagram. Any ideas?
thanks.
Jan 3, 2009 at 9:03 PM
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DAVE H
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I think this is what you are trying to describe ?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_front_1.jpg

FRONT COVER Removal Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Loosen water pump pulley. Remove accessory drive belts, water pump pulley and accessory drive belt tensioner. Remove coolant hoses from water pump. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel. Remove 4 retaining bolts and crankshaft pulley. Remove crankshaft damper retaining bolt. Using Crankshaft Damper Remover (T58P-6316-D) and Adapter (T82L-6316-B), remove crankshaft damper. Remove oil pan. See OIL PAN . Remove retaining bolts, front cover (with water pump) and gasket. See Fig. 6 . Installation To install, reverse removal procedure. Use thread sealant on specified bolts. See Fig. 6 . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Coat seal lip and crankshaft damper surface with engine oil before installing. Using Vibration Damper/Seal Installer (T82L-6316-A) and Seal Installer (T70P-6B070-A), install seal. Apply Sealant (D6AZ-19562-BA) to crankshaft damper keyway before installing damper. Use Vibration Damper/Seal Installer (T82L-6316-A) to install damper. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Refill cooling system.
Aug 21, 2020 at 1:40 PM
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BUMBLEGUY
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Dave H. thank you very much. I'm afraid that is what I was trying to describe. I was hoping not to have to go down that road. ie taking off oil pan special damper removing tools etc. Should I be looking for coolant/damage around the timing belt/crankshaft now?
Aug 21, 2020 at 1:40 PM
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DAVE H
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The leak is probably at the gasket points where my arrows are .. front cover to block inlet/outlet ..from your first description it doesn't seem to be a BAD leak ...but any leak is not a good leak .. hopefully it's just a failed gasket.. you will have to strip down and check for damage ... obviously you don't want any contaminents around the chain area so a very good clean up is the order of the day .. hope this helps


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_front_2.jpg

Aug 21, 2020 at 1:40 PM
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BUMBLEGUY
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It is a small leak luckily, and hopefully only towards the outside. Thank you kindly, your advice is much appreciated. I'll go pick up a repair manual at the library today. thanks again, Chris
Aug 21, 2020 at 1:40 PM