[Thompson2131]

99 nv4500 truck, noticed coolant dripping off the bell housing. I could not visibly see anything leaking, but it’s definitely wet and definitely coolant. What am I looking at here?

 

[Clunk]

There's a core plug/freeze plug at the rear of the cylinder that has been reported to leak.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/98-5-02-powertrain/772641-bolt-hole-block.html

 

[Thompson2131]

Hopefully that is the case. I was just reading about the head gasket being known for blowing on the rear corner as well.

 

[bigfish95971]

Also when hot check the heater hoses near the rear of the head. Mine leaked toward the head, and hard to see.

 

[Thompson2131]

Also when hot check the heater hoses near the rear of the head. Mine leaked toward the head, and hard to see.

I checked that also.. I crawled up under it last night and was able to see a general area that it’s leaking.. I’m going to clean it up tonight and put a test on it and see if I can pin it down. From what I saw last night it’s either seeping at the freeze plug, or head gasket.

 

[bigfish95971]

Also a good possibility it is the infamous crack in the "53" block. Look under the exhaust manifold on the top side of the block near the rear of engine for crack and antifreeze corrosion.

 

[Thompson2131]

Also a good possibility it is the infamous crack in the "53" block. Look under the exhaust manifold on the top side of the block near the rear of engine for crack and antifreeze corrosion.

I did check for that also. I cannot find any castings whatsoever for the 53 block. That was one of the first things I did check. Hopefully tonight when I get home and clean it I will be able to see exactly where it’s coming from

 

[Thompson2131]

Well, I was able to clean it a bit and find the leak. It’s the dang head gasket.. rear of engine driver side corner. Just my luck!! Any recommendations for a gasket kit?

 

[bigfish95971]

Try Cummins or a truck store that does Cummins as most do. Right part, good price. Take engine serial number from front of block behind timing cover on driver side. The do ont sell "Dodge" parts by application but do sell engine parts by serial number.