1987 Jeep Wrangler Coolant Leak

FISHWITHCARRS

MEMBER
1987 JEEP WRANGLER
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
152,000 MILES

Noticed today my jeep was running very rough and after I got home it seemed like there was a hissing noise. I thought it may be a overheat problem, so I let it cool down and then checked my coolant level. I found that it was very low possibly empty. Well I topped it off and after a few minutes it started leaking out of the back of the engine, along a circular indention just forward of the fire wall. I am not a mechanic but I can figure out that this is not good. Any advise for fixing it. I am just about done with this vehicle for my primary source of transportation but I was hoping to keep it running as a second car/ toy. I am just wondering what my options are. Thanks for any info.

3 Replies

MECHCURT

MEMBER
184 POSTS

Well hopefully it is just a freeze plug on the back of the head. I believe on the 4 cyl's there is one there. I just need you to look closer and tell me exactly where the fluid is coming from and we can start from there. Let me know thanks Curt.

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 8:10 PM

FISHWITHCARRS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yeah, I had a buddy check it out and he said it was a casting plug. It was leaking from one spot just inside of the plug. He told told me a quick fix was to use some JP weld on it, to seal it up. That is where I am at now, and the leak is contained. Due to the location we couldn't replace the plug without pulling the engine. This doesn't seem like a permanent fix, but I was planing on having some work done on it anyways. I was hoping to keep running it like this for a week or two, until I can get around to having more work done. Does this sound reasonable to you all, or am I just setting myself up for a bad day at the side of the road.

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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 8:22 PM

MECHCURT

MEMBER
184 POSTS

Well I think we are talking of the same plug. Freeze plugs rust out and leak after awhile thats just a fact of life. JB weld is not a permenant fix tho you are right. It might last just a week or more tho. Hate to see you get stranded somewhere. You do need to fix it correctly when you get the chance. You might be able to drop the skid plate and tilt the tranny. This would lower or tilt the back of the motor enough to maybe get to it. If its on the back of the head. There are some small ones on the 4 cyl that will be behind the flywheel I believe. Just make sure yoiu know which one is leaking. Keep us informed. And thanks Curt

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Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 6:01 AM