Welcome to the forum.
There is not much to leak inside the bellhousing. The freeze plug above the starter might be the plug at the end of the camshaft, not a water jacket plug.  The water jacket plug is up high, right below the head gasket.     See the upper one in the picture.  Other than that, the head gasket, which is outside the bellhousing, can be easily inspected from above.  Luckily, your tranny and bellhousing are very easy to remove.

Only remaining thing I could think of would be a cracked block from possibly freeze damage.

Be sure to inspect all external hoses, heater core, perimeter of head gasket, etc.  The fan can blow a water leak along the engine and make it appear to come from somewhere else toward the rear of the engine.

Follow the rule of looking for something really simple first, before you start throwing money at the big stuff.

A good method to track leaks is to use WalMart jock-itch spray.  Go to a car wash and thoroughly clean the engine. Drive it home and let it dry.  Spray a liberal amount of the stuff over all the areas where a leak could be suspected.  Go for a drive. Any water or oil leaking will make a visible track in the powdery spray. Yes, this really does work. Once you are done, go back to the car wash and rinse the engine. It cleans right off.

Thanks for all the ideas and the welcome to the forum. I have been here before - just re-registered because I couldn't find my prior username and password. To answer your question the housing does have the inspection plate - picture attached - maybe you can see the drop of water hanging on the bottom. CA based so no freeze or humidity issues. Have had the car sitting for a week and still seeing a few drips per minute - so don't think it is the fan blowing water from somewhere else in the engine - but with that frequent number of drops I should be able to visually track it down - and haven't been able to. All the expansion plugs on the block and head look good and can't see anything from the head gasket. Gonna get the car up in the air this week and line some areas with tissue and see what gets damp. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
 

Spend five bucks for the powder foot spray. It works.

Last edited by Bearing Bob (4/17/2022 9:27 PM)

I agree with Jim Bowie. No anti-freeze?

You won’t be able to view the main rear freeze plug unless you remove the driveshaft, tranny, bellhousing, clutch and flywheel.  If you are certain of no freeze damage, that is the only thing inside the bell that can possibly leak water.  I would not think it unusual for a 57 year old freeze plug to corrode enough to leak, ESPECIALLY if you are just running water in the block with no coolant.

Thanks again for all the tips. I am the running the recommended coolant water mix - think the iphone camera just made the leak  look clear. The car has not been out in the rain in years - so no water dripping from the cowl. Got the car up in the air today and the leak is definitely running down the inside of the bellhousing cover plate.
Final question - I thought the 200 C.I. only had 5 freeze plugs on the block - is there a freeze plug on the rear of the block that is covered by the clutch bellhousing? I don't mind pulling the tranny and clutch and bellhousing if needed.
Thanks again.
 

Last edited by Roberts65 (4/18/2022 2:03 PM)

For what it's worth, here's another pic showing  the rear of the block and associated plugs.

Gives you a better idea of what's behind the flywheel/clutch assembly.

What condition is the engine in? (lotsa miles etc.)
It may be a good reason to pull the engine and go through it/rebuild/refurb/soup-it-up!
Then you can get a perfect view of where its leaking and will be much easier to replace freeze plugs etc. with engine on a stand.
Then......it should be good for another 60+ years!!
6sally6

Hello all: thanks for all the tips. On the 1965 200CI 3-speed manual - finally got behind the bellhousing and had a pool party going on. Replaced the plugs - cleaned it up a bit, put in a new clutch since I had it apart and no water leaks. Pictures attached.
Quick question: Still going to do the 5 plugs on the block - it looks easier if the manifold is pulled - has anyone replaced the block freeze plugs without pulling the manifold?
And if I can tap someones experience - when replacing the Brake Master Cylinder do you try to stay with the re-manufactured cast iron one or just go with any master cylinder that fits. I still have the cast iron one in the car.
Thanks much
Robert whatsapp photo free download

 

Last edited by Roberts65 (6/06/2022 8:57 PM)

I agree with MS, if you need to repace the master cylinder, install a 'dual' unit. 

DC wrote:

You know, Ford uses stop leak as warranty repair on several vehicles. They even list it in some of their owners manuals. 

Yeah, but their REAL INTENT is to sell you a new car.