Hi I have a coolant leak on the front of the block. I have been noticing a coolant Snell for a while but couldn't find it. The other day it started raining. I wrongly assumes it was a water pump due to the location and difficultly seeing it. Well I changed the pump and behold I still have the leak.

After some cleaning and using a camera I have located the leak and it appears to be coming from the Block timing cover joint on the driver side of the block. it this a common location? I see i have to remove the balancer to get the cover off any other issues I can run into? Thanks

 

It is a common leak point. There is a kit of gaskets, seal for front crank, and new oil pump gears that is about $114. You can eval timing chain for slop while open. You'll be taking off the oil pan as well, so a gasket for the oil pickup, clean out the pickup, 2 dabs of loctite on the bolts that hold the pickup on. You can take a look at main bearings if you like, they can be replaced in the truck, write up in tech area.

 

thanks for the pic that looks like the place. was kinda hoping to avoid dropping the pan but if it can't be helped. Will have to source the parts Mon. and get it on the hoist. Thanks

 

If you are at 100,000 or greater, also replace the timing chain set and oil pump kit do to wear.
With the pan off, inspect the oil pick up tube, and pull a couple of crank bearings to check for wear.
Make sure to only use distilled water in the system to prevent calicum build up in the radiator..
Consider installing a new 180 t/stat if it hasn't been done yet.

 

Some take a breaker bar and socket, fit to crank bolt, other end on ground, bump starter, magic.