I've got an 84 300TD wagon, and it is leaking coolant pretty badly (even when the car is off and on level ground).
I'm having trouble finding the leak though, 'cause it's all just dripping off the oil pan.
Is there a way to find the leak easier?

Also, there's a sound kind of like a piece of metal ratling around in a metal container when the car is on...what could be causing this?

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1984 300TD Turbo 156Kmi
"He who seeks knowledge begins with humbleness" - Buju Banton

I would start by checking all the hoses and connections. Try looking above the oil pan and see if you can trace the source of the leak that way.

-Good luck.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Better check the water pump. Your explanation sounds something like a dying water pump.

You can buy flourescent die to put in you cooling system that is visible with a black light. First clean off you car as best as possible, put the die in and run until you see it drip. Turn the lights of and use the black lite. Presto, you see the leek. Never done it but I heard it works.

Henry

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63 190d (sold)
69 220D (sold)
69 280SL (sold)
76 BMW 2002 (sold)
86 190E-16v (Demised at Laguna Seca Turn 9)
87 300SDL (sold)
87 300SDL 135k
87 300TD 280k (sold)
95 E320W 211k
95 E320w 111k
05 C320 4matic
06 E320 CDI 90k (Totaled by a texting 19 year old girl in a nissan)
2013 GLK 250 Bluetek 4MATIC

I agree it is almost certainly your waterpump. There is a weephole in the bottom of the water pump which allows coolant to flow out when the seals are bad. The sound indicates that the bearings are bad so the seals are probably also gone. If you can't see the coolant coming out of the pump you can probably put your finger on the hole and feel it coming out.

Just had a similar problem on my sons car. Leak was comong from somewhre on front part of motor. Start the car and sounded like belt squeel. Turned out the water pump seal was gone and nothing but dry shiny bearings showing, only about half of them left. The job took 3-4hrs including parts run. If you get a pump locally (saturday emergency) Autozone etc be prpared to make several trips for spacers and bolts. Those pumps don't have the cast ears needed to support other brackets and things.

Thanks everyone. I had a sinking feeling it was the water pump because I checked all the hoses and they were fine.

__________________
1984 300TD Turbo 156Kmi
"He who seeks knowledge begins with humbleness" - Buju Banton