Water leak! Help!

[Coach_E]

Hi All, I recently purchased a 71 ranger XLT long bed. There is a water leak that would like some help on, hopefully someone can tell me with these clues;

-Water leaks out of the water pump area( not sure where, it was too dark to tell )
-Here is the catch, it starts dripping when I fill up the radiator. This is when the truck has not even been turned on. I thought when the water pump was bad it would leak when the truck was on?

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[TNIceWolf]

Sounds like it's coming through the "weep" hole in the water pump. Probably the water pump shaft seal gone.

[DuckRyder]

What engine...

Ideas:

Gasket on back of pump.
Pump to block gasket.
Water pump bolts go into water jacket but do not have sealer on them.

[Coach_E]

Thank you everyone for the quick responses. I will get more info on the engine as I do NOT know what motor it has. Anyone know how I can check? I know its a V8 by looking at the dizzy. Exact engine, I have no clue since there is no stickers to be seen and the previous owner did not know.

From everyone's posts, it seems like it's just a seal? I hope so! I was worried the actually motor had a leak. Is it still possible for the motor to leak with the motor not being turned on?

Thanks again!

[DuckRyder]

Have a look here:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/technical-index.htm

Particularly:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN71.htm

and

http://www.fordification.com/tech/engineID-V8.htm

It is possible to damage a block from disuse if its in a cold climate without proper antifreeze... but normally seals and gaskets are what go from sitting...

[fordman]

could be a leaky heater hose too.

[Coach_E]

Have a look here:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/technical-index.htm

Particularly:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN71.htm

and

http://www.fordification.com/tech/engineID-V8.htm

It is possible to damage a block from disuse if its in a cold climate without proper antifreeze... but normally seals and gaskets are what go from sitting...

Thanks for the links!
If you have a damaged block, will the water just drip out of it if you put water in the engine without starting? It doesn't need any pressure? I'm still hoping its a seal or gasket!

[Coach_E]

could be a leaky heater hose too.

I hope its something easy like a hose! Thanks for your input.