FMD Glycol leak

[Pepper Farms]

My 1957 FMD has a small water (glycol) leak from where the throttle shaft goes through the block on the generator side of the engine. Sometimes it leaks a lot, sometimes it will hardly even drip. Just wondering if any one knows a cause and cure for this problem? Thanks.

[Tom P]

I had that very same issue. I figured it was a crack in the casting inside the engine. I repaired it by draining the coolant and drilling the hole out to .516". I can't remember the dimensions of the holes I drilled through the brass, but you can measure the rod that goes through the block to get them. I know their were 3 different sizes. Do have have acces to a lathe? If you don't have access to one, a local shop can do it. It didn't take more than an hour. On the outside of the rod I cut some grooves for the epoxy. Make sure the rod slips in the the hole freely before attempting to set it. I used JB Weld and covered he brass with a healthy coat, slipped it through 'till it was about an inch out the other side. Then put more JB Weld on the groove and around the rod and pushed it back to location. I let it set a few days with heat lamps, but that was back in january in Michigan. It was a pretty simple fix and I didn't have to remove the pump. I just removed the generator and did it all from that side. Keep us posted on your progress.

Tom