Coolant leaking issue?

1998 FORD MUSTANG
195,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MUSTNAGGUY9804
I've been experiencing a coolant leak from the front of the engine, can't find an exact leak spot, all hoses are just fine. under my thermostat where the water pump gasket is, I'm noticing a very slight bubbling of coolant, but the main puddle is on the passenger side of the car. Recently I had a flat, once the car was turned off, I heard loud bubbling, opened coolant reservoir and my coolant level is draining, have no idea where it went.

A buddy said it could be my freeze plugs, I'm seeing coolant on my belt tensioner (on that side of the engine bay in general so that's my only guess (assuming a freeze plug on the front of my engine).

It hasn't overheated I don't think (thinking because my gauge goes all the way to the red, but once it hits the red it goes down to normal and doesn't move, the fan is wired to a switch so I know the fan is kicking on no matter what).

It's been sitting for a couple days and I still see a new puddle on the passenger side of the car (under the front of engine)

This is all the info I can recall to help. I'm aware there are likely other problems (dealing with the wp gasket). My goal is to figure out why coolant is (visibly) just disappearing.

I'm not really sure where to start or how to approach this, I can provide pictures at a later date if needed.
Sep 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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MECHTRIX
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 382 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Usually those are the signs of a leaking coolant pump there a small hole in the pump body. Usually right behind the pulley of the pump that's designed to leak when the seals and bearings in the pump go bad check there.
Sep 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,494 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I agree with MECHTRIX, this sounds like a typical water pump failure which is causing the engine to overheat. Please go over these two guides to help confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

You can rent a pressure checker for free from the auto part store.

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems

Sep 6, 2025 at 9:20 AM
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