Weird Coolant Leak

3_ponys · 04-04-2013, 09:06 AM

I have a 96 Cobra that has developed a coolant leak after sitting in the garage all winter. The leak is driver side front at the block. It is dripping off the oil filter. The weird part is that it doesn't leak when hot and under pressure. It leaks while sitting after cooling down completely.

I thought maybe freeze plug but that shouldn't leak when cold only. Any ideas?

**cobrabitn** · 04-04-2013, 08:43 PM

Is the factory oil cooler on that side? That is what I would think is the culprit. I can't remember if the cooler is over there or not?

3_ponys · 04-05-2013, 05:02 PM

Yes it is, and that indeed may be the source. I just need to check it out from the underside and isolate the leak if I can.

**Mystic_Cobra** · 04-08-2013, 09:13 AM

Yeah, that IS where the factory oil cooler is. They are known to leak. There are a few O-rings in there that shrink when cold for a long time. You should be able to get those 0-rings and the block gasket from Ford still. I changed mine not too long ago while chasing a bad head gasket. I had oil in my coolant.
If you do the work yourself, you'll need a big 1/2" allen wrench to get that thing off. That's the only special tool I think you need. I bought a socket so I get better leverage. It's on there pretty tight.

04-04-2013, 09:06 AM	#1
3_ponys Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 13	Weird Coolant Leak I have a 96 Cobra that has developed a coolant leak after sitting in the garage all winter. The leak is driver side front at the block. It is dripping off the oil filter. The weird part is that it doesn't leak when hot and under pressure. It leaks while sitting after cooling down completely. I thought maybe freeze plug but that shouldn't leak when cold only. Any ideas? __________________ SCMC # 2014 1965 Mustang Fastback 1978 Ranchero (Project) 1996 Mystic Cobra 2004 Mystichrome Cobra Convertible 2005 Mustang Convertible

04-04-2013, 08:43 PM	#2
cobrabitn Dr Jekyll on the street, Mr Hyde on the track Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Rock Hill SC Posts: 14,649	Is the factory oil cooler on that side? That is what I would think is the culprit. I can't remember if the cooler is over there or not? __________________ Cobrabitn 2016 Ruby Red Metallic with Caribou accent F-350 Crew Cab Stump Puller! 6.7 Diesel Automatic with Chrome Package, Off Road Package, 3.55 Locking axles, and Ultimate Lariat Interior Trim Package! 2017 Shelby GT350 Coupe - track car! Mods: JLT True Cold Air oil catch can 2009 Vista Blue Shelby GT 500 Coupe - Garage Queen Tinted Windows JLT True Cold Air Kit Pro-Dyno Tune 526 rwhp - 511 rwtq 1994 Rio Red Indy Pace Car #22 "Runabout" Snake in the grill MGW shift knob 1996 SVT Cobra Wheels 1969 New Lime Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof - Second owner - bone stock with shaker. One SVT Cobra, one Shelby GT500, one 69 mach 1, and a Shelby GT350 is better than nothing! Custom Data Plates for your Mustang or Ford! Buy "Cool Merchandise" at Data Plates Plus www.dataplatesplus.com See my MSR Video here!

04-05-2013, 05:02 PM	#3
3_ponys Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 13	Yes it is, and that indeed may be the source. I just need to check it out from the underside and isolate the leak if I can. __________________ SCMC # 2014 1965 Mustang Fastback 1978 Ranchero (Project) 1996 Mystic Cobra 2004 Mystichrome Cobra Convertible 2005 Mustang Convertible

04-08-2013, 09:13 AM	#4
Mystic_Cobra NASA American Iron #16 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 608	Yeah, that IS where the factory oil cooler is. They are known to leak. There are a few O-rings in there that shrink when cold for a long time. You should be able to get those 0-rings and the block gasket from Ford still. I changed mine not too long ago while chasing a bad head gasket. I had oil in my coolant. If you do the work yourself, you'll need a big 1/2" allen wrench to get that thing off. That's the only special tool I think you need. I bought a socket so I get better leverage. It's on there pretty tight. __________________ Jimmy Bost #00539 '17 Ruby Red GT350 #H6022 \| '65 Mustang hardtop

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