Losing a lot of aqau.

[Paul.D]

Howdy guys,
                    I have sprung a monster leak in my 1980 280sel . Coolant is streaming down from what seems to be under the exhaust manifold ( forth outlet from the front ). Engine is still too hot to investigate . Any help would be great.
                                                       thanx Paul.D

[Big_Richard]

.

[Paul.D]

I must admit it was my first thought P.B but I had hoped that the forum could provide me some hope. Hold me ....I'm scared.

[Big_Richard]

.

[Paul.D]

Well Ok then. Best place to get parts quickly ? Also i am ashamed to admit i have no manuals on this car . Can anyone please tell me the manuals that I would need . I have replaced head gaskets on old holdens/fords and experience has shown me that the merc may be a little more complex. Carpe diem .

[Paul.D]

What a fool I am. I am in Ballarat Victoria. Thanx guys 

[CraigS]

Check out the library. It will give you the help you need.

[Big_Richard]

.

[koan]

... youll be rather pissed off 

That's what I was thinking. Don't know anything about these engines, there's no other possibilities for leaks is there? Like welch plugs or heater return lines.

koan

[Paul.D]

Phewww ! Thanks guys for the advice, on further inspection it turned out to be the large hexagonal plate on the block . The hole ( due to corrosion) had come through at such an angle that it was shooting water up under the exhaust intake .
Once again thank you for your advice . Now i have just got to find a part number (or a part  name ) and replace the little sucker.               

[s class]

If those block blanks have corroded, the engine must have run for much of its life without proper coolant additives. 

I'm glad for you it wasn't the head gasket.  While we are on the topic, M110's are known for the head gasket failing between the water ways and the outside of the engine. 

[Big_Richard]

.