Coolant leak at Heat Exchanger

[fortyman]

What would cause coolant to leak from where the heat exchanger ties in to the crossover pipe on a flathead v8?

[ford38v8]

Pictures please.

[34PKUP]

Originally Posted by fortyman

What would cause coolant to leak from where the heat exchanger ties in to the crossover pipe on a flathead v8?

Yes, how about a picture of this mysterious "heat exchanger" that ties to the crossover pipe??

[tubman]

We realize that posting pictures to this forum can be problematic; some long-time users have trouble. If you are having these problems, we would at least appreciate a more complete description of the problem. What year and model of vehicle? I know of no stock application where the crossover ties into anything that has a connection to the cooling system, so this must be some aftermarket setup. The more detail you can provide, the better off we all are.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by fortyman

What would cause coolant to leak from where the heat exchanger ties in to the crossover pipe on a flathead v8?

Yes, as others have stated, a photo would help.
However, knowing what a heat exchanger is (hot air heater part) and where it is, there are two likely suspects.

Most likely (I'm guessing here of course) the coolant is running down over the pipe and dripping from there. If that is in fact the case, look for a leaking head gasket.

If the coolant is leaking from inside the pipe, my guess is a cracked block.

Are you finding it necessary to add coolant to the system? Does the engine run hotter than it did prior to this leak showing up?

Have you inspected the entire area carefully? Usually, one can see a trail of sorts where the coolant has leaked and dried.

Hopefully, this is nothing more than a water pump leaking, blowing back, and dripping off the pipe.

[fortyman]

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IMG_E4831[1].jpg

[fortyman]

Just figured out how to post picture. The liquid comes out the area where it looks like a slit in the heat exchanger unit that goes into the crossover pipe. I can't recall if the crossover pipe was in this same location or if the pipe could have slipped down some. It doesn't seem to be loose. The car is a 1940 ford v8 flathead. I have been restoring it for a few years and just got it running about a month ago.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by fortyman

Just figured out how to post picture. The liquid comes out the area where it looks like a slit in the heat exchanger unit that goes into the crossover pipe. I can't recall if the crossover pipe was in this same location or if the pipe could have slipped down some. It doesn't seem to be loose. The car is a 1940 ford v8 flathead. I have been restoring it for a few years and just got it running about a month ago.

[petehoovie]

Cold engine condensation?...And, I think you need a clamp at that location...

[Kube]

Originally Posted by fortyman

Just figured out how to post picture. The liquid comes out the area where it looks like a slit in the heat exchanger unit that goes into the crossover pipe. I can't recall if the crossover pipe was in this same location or if the pipe could have slipped down some. It doesn't seem to be loose. The car is a 1940 ford v8 flathead. I have been restoring it for a few years and just got it running about a month ago.

That cross over pipe is homemade obviously. I doubt it slipped down.

Are you losing coolant? That doesn't appear to be a coolant leak but rather, condensation.

Tell us more...

[ponymare]

If it is coolant, there may be a crack in an exhaust port.

[marko39]

Does the leak stop when engine is warmed up? A cold engine can piss out condensation for a good while while idling and not being driven.

[fortyman]

I will run it some to see. Have not tried that.

[aussie merc]

if it dries out and dosent leave a trace line genaraly white or pinkish good chance its condensation

[fortyman]

Pic of what is leaking under car

IMG_4843[1].jpg

[Kube]

Originally Posted by fortyman

Pic of what is leaking under car

Attachment 503353

Oh oh... not looking good.

Can you note any stains from above the pipe?

[fortyman]

No stains or signs of leaking anywhere else.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by fortyman

No stains or signs of leaking anywhere else.

Oh oh. I'm starting to lean towards a crack in the block.

[ford38v8]

fortyman, have you done anything with the exhaust manifolds? Anything with the mounting bolts of the exhaust manifold?

[fortyman]

I have not. I did look at the oil dipstick and it is whitish.