2008 Ford Edge SEL engine block information

[Gilldogg]

I am doing some engine work on this vehicle. It does have a blown head gasket. I do t really know what caused it.  However it will not hold water. I add water to find out where the water leads to. Found the leak behind the alternator. I pulled the alternator and I couldn’t physically see it cause there is not enough room to get my head down there. I was able to take a picture of it. And I will attach it. I believe it is a freeze plug or something similar but I can’t find any information about it. I see it on other engine blocks but it looks the same on all of them. Anyway if anyone can help I would be very grateful. 
What is the name of the part? 
What does it do? 
is there a part number? 
thanks in advance 

gilldogg.

 

 

[dabangsta]

That is one of the passages from the internal seal for the water pump. If the bearing/seal on the pump leaks it will first go through that passage to exit the block/front cover. Make sure you check your oil for water, and get it fixed before the other seal fails and coolant/water goes into the crank case, which will wipe out the entire engine quickly.

 

What indications are you seeing that it is a head gasket? Combustion/pressure test of the cooling system? A cylinder with coolant in it? Just losing coolant?

 

While it is a lot of work to replace the water pump, it is easier than the head gasket(s).

Edited October 26 by dabangsta

[Gilldogg]

dabangsta thanks for the info. Yes it was assumed the head gasket blew because of the peanut butter oil. lol, 

I suspect now since your info and other items I have found , the head gasket may be ok.  I will do a compression test and if all is good I will look at doing the timing and water pump replacement.  What’s your thoughts?