1941 180 coolant leak

Posted by CartRich On 2021/8/8 18:54:48

I was in the garage occupied by my 41 180 Sedan doing nothing related to the car when I noticed a small pool of coolant sitting under the front. The car was not running, nor did I start it, but a quick look underneath didn’t show much more than that small pool. I opened the radiator and since the position is awkward if you aren’t standing on something, I just stuck my finger in. Dry as far as I could get my finger in. I’m going to guess it had been leaking at least the last time I had driven it but I hadn’t noticed. I came back to it a few day later and added distilled water. It took about 3/4 of a gallon to fill it to the neck. I started the car and got down to look under the front. At first very little dripping then more and in a pretty consistent, but not huge, flow. It looks like it is not coming out of the overflow tube but I can see liquid on the brace under the radiator. My guess is either the water pump or the radiator core. The Motor’s Auto Repair Manual would make it seem as if removing either or both the pump or radiator is fairly simple. In my world it never is, so I am looking for some thoughts on whether 1- I may be correct on thinking it is probably one or the other of the radiator or pump 2- how big of a hassle is this job for someone who is not the best mechanic on the block and is always worried about causing more damage. Maybe I should just have it taken to a shop and have someone else deal with it while I pay through the nose. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.