91 Dodge Dakota Coolant Leak behind water pump, trying to ID part to buy gasket.?

Question

I have a 91 Dodge Dakota 3.9L TBI which has a small leak that I noticed yesterday. It leaked twice yesterday and then I drove it home today and no leak. It won't leak when I'm driving, only once shutdown it'll put out a small stream of foaming coolant. My problems comes in with identifying the name of the part where the leak is occuring.

My water pump bolts to a place which is roughly 1.3 inches thick which then bolts to the engine block. This plate covers the front of the engine block and many things are bolted to it, I can see a black seal mounting it to the block, this seal is what is leaking. Does anyone know what this plate is called so I can get the proper seal to fix it? I have a Haynes manual and they show it in one of the pictures but they don't identify it, I can't find it online either.

Answer 1

so what you need is a t-gear gasket kit. the t-gear kit should include all gaskets. they know the pump has to come off to service the t-gears. so all gaskets are included. cheaper to buy kit.

or take it to a shop.

obviously, one would consider changing the t-chain/gears, water pump, and accessory belt(s). since your there.

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but there should be no coolant coming from/in the t-gears. unless you have a freeze plug under there. in which case oil would be flowing as well. i would guess the coolant is coming from the weep hole under the pump and is flowing off the t-cover near the block. look again with a mirror. as a water pump gasket set maybe all you need.

Answer 2

At this point I would suggest going to your local Dodge dealer to make sure you "make off" with the proper parts (seals & gaskets) for your repair. I know your frustration with Haynes and Chilton's manuals. They don't tell the whole story!



It sounds as if cooling system pressure is making it leak. How about considering a different radiator pressure cap with a 13 or 8 pound rating till you have time to scavenge the correct parts? Carquest always has a good assortment.

Answer 3

91 Dodge Dakota

Answer 4

Take your manual to the parts place, point to the leaking part in the picture and tell the person behind the counter that you need a gasket for one of those....

Answer 5

Pressurize the system first. It may be a plate on the backside of the pump,in which case just replace the pump.

Answer 6

you first have water pump gaskets,second you have timing chain cover gaskets and crank shaft seal just above the timing chain cover is the intake gaskets,and thermostat housing gasket be safe my friend also check top rad. hose and clamps and heater hoses and clamps