Small coolant leak near distributor

[Neo]

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to track down a really small coolant leak that leaves traces of coolant in the little valley on the top of the front engine plate (that the pump attaches to) right at the base of the disty. I have a feeling it may be the water pump gasket as I found several of the bolts less than tight. I can't see the water pump really well cause of all the "stuff" on the fron of the engine. If the pump is going bad, and begining to weep at the mechanical seal, will it not come out the bottom of the pump, and not collect on top? I don't know where the weep hole (or even if there is one) on the LR 3.9 (1995) water pump. Any guidance before I start digging in is greatly appreciated.

[Mike Hippert]

Is it pooling up under the T-stat. Try tightening the hose clamps first.

[Neo]

Thanks Mike, unfortunately, I did this already. I did find them a touch loose initially, but they are tight now. It appears to be slightly forward of the t-stat, as I believe (please correct me if I am off base) the t-stat hose is directly above the valley pan as it is attached to the front of the intake. Any other ideas? Thanks!!

Jeff

[Mike Hippert]

I would wipe it try, and run the engine to see where it is coming from. You may have to replace a gasket, or you may be able to patch it for a quick fix using RTV. My T-stat hose leaked, after I tightened it the coolant pooled up stayed there until i washed it off, coolant does not evaporate like water so if you didn't clean it off you may have fixed the problem already.

[Bowtracer]

Try a little quility white lith grease on the inside of the rad hose and reassemble! ;)