Could inlet menifold leak coolant from underneath? 1.9 DG

[waltraud]

Hi,

have a long standing problem with possibloe different causes. On the engine bay LHS looking at it from the rear of the van there is a small amount of coolant that collects on the LHS top the engine blokc after under the coolant outlet/inlet on the in et manifold. I replaced the rubber coolant pipe 'J' Shaped but did not sort it and then thought, ohh F*** it must be coming from the water jacket? But the rubber seals on the water jacket look almost new, the engine sems like a recon or even newish VW as it pulls very well and other giveaway signs of newness. So, i put my hand under the manifold middle/ LHS and there fels like an indent of some sort with fluid on / around it. Presumably it could be more than one cause for the small leak but i wondered if in your experience these inlet manifolds for pierburg carbs can and do leak and if so from where?
cheers
Tim

[famous phil]

under the manifold you'll find two small diameter core plugs one either side of the carb

[waltraud]

Thanks Phil, heard a lot about your pug work. Soi, in theory are you suggesting that its possible to repair as opposed to dump and get a goodun? Are these core plugs extractable so that they could be sealed up with plumbers tape or some sort of heat resistant gasket compound or even JB weld?

cheers.

Tim

[famous phil]

the core plug will be rusted through , as soon as you touch it it might disintegrate just leaving the out edge , this will need removing to fit the new core plug , good motor factors normally have a selection in stock less than a £1 , if you get stuck you could link the rubber pipes together that connect to manifold - OK in summer as should not freeze

[waltraud]

Cheers Phil, makes sense. Will have a go. Tim