Ford 3000 Coolant Leak - Bad News?

[MarEng]

OK - I think I have the answer but want to make sure before I start surgery.

Early 70's 3000, Diesel, 1000 hours, SE Texas so no freeze risk (yet). Last used the tractor about two months ago to do some mowing. When I pulled it out last week my son pointed out a steady coolant leak draining off the engine. Looking closer it appeared to be coming from behind the starter. Pulled the starter expecting to find a holed freeze plug. Nope. Instead the coolant seems to be coming from between the block and the tranny. My manuals (both of them) are useless as to pictures of the back of the block but reading elsewhere on the forum I gather there are freeze plugs on the rear of the engine. I will try to attach a picture of the area leaking. The oil is not cloudy but I've only run it about 5 minutes since discovering the leak.

Path Forward(?) - Unless somebody has a better idea, I suspect I'm splitting the tractor to replace freeze plugs or identify another source for this leakage. I'd love another answer if somebody has one.

This will be my first split - always learning.

 

[Ultradog MN]

There are two frost plugs back there.
I would remove the battery tray/bracket and make sure it is not the upper one that is leaking.
You may be able to replace that one without a split.
The picture is of an older style engine with the screw in plugs. Yours should have the knock out, steel ones.
Kinda hard to see the upper plug in the pic but look close, it's there.

 

[jimmysisson]

Freeze plugs are steel if course and would rust out before any iron. If water alone were used as coolant, or very acidic water. If water only or very weak antifreeze ( more likely where you are than in the frozen and rusty north) you might have corrosion in other places. Replacing all the freeze plugs might be wise while it's down.
I can't picture what else would be back there but a bad fp, or worse!
Keep us posted and good luck.
Jim

 

[rayikeo2]

On my 1700 I could see the rear freeze plug by removing the fuel tank. Only 1/2 was visible but that is where it was leaking. My leak was smaller than yours but I could not replace the plug because of limited space. Yours may be easier. It has to be repaired or the next thing you will need is a new starter, The antifreeze drips into the inside of the starter at the gear area and will short it out. You may be able to just seperate the tractor enough to put the plug in. Good luck...

 

[Soundguy]

i'd also think it's a fp as UD states.

and as another poster states. do em al when you do em. they are liekly all the same
year and near level of corrosion.. one just gave out befor ethe others.. etc..

 

[MarEng]

Thanks Guys! I'm now struggling with whether to delay repairs till I get some more concrete in the barn or jump right in. I've really gotten used to having two tractors! I'll post pics so others can learn from my misadventures. Brgds.

 

[Soundguy]

well.. it won't go away that's for sure.... if it was accessable you could shoot it with brake cleaner then run a handfull of jb weld over it and let set then run till you had time. BTDT.. etc..

 

[bert yearsley]

hello! What's that silver cover called, and how do i get it off I want to put a drive gear on for the hydraulic pump, help much appreciated thanks bert.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Might wanna make a new post to get answers.. and, be more clear about what it is you are asking about.

 

[Soundguy]

have you pulled the hyd pump off yet?