Coolant on top of engine block...No. 2 idler, or headgasket?
 

Well, I broke down the front of my 3.0 again today, to try to daignose wether or not my water pump gasket was leaking. What I did was keep the cooling system intact, and remove the fan, belts, and large timing belt cover. I then started the truck and let it run. I could see a trickle of coolant on the far right side of the water pump, where the water inlet is. I wiped it clear, and coolant would trickle down from above the left side head. I then found a puddle of coolant on top of the engine block. So the big question is...Idler pulley or headgasket? I'll go in and re-do the No. 2 idler and see what happens. If that fails, then I guess a compression test is in order. I have no coolant in exhaust, or milky oil. When I replaced the no. 2 idler a few months ago, it came with a small or ring type gasket. I would assume that FIPG would be a better choice? I can't find in the FSM where it covers the no. 2 idler.

Yeah, let's hope it's just the idler pulley. I replaced mine a couple of months back, and that o-ring style gasket has held up just fine. Are you sure you got it bolted down tight enough?

Hey guys, don't suppose either one of you took pics of things as you took it all apart? I've just gone through the exact same process on my 3VZE 1990...twice actually as i thought it was the water pump initially......and I can't get my rig to start now. I don't know if I've got my vacuum hoses hooked up wrong or what. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I started a new thread on the topic, but since you're both going through the exact same thing.....thought I'd hit you up as well. Thanks a bunch.

I never removed any vacuum hoses when I did mine. So, it was running fine, and you took it apart, and now it won't start? Did you actually remove the timing belt? I can't really think of anything that would cause it not to start. Even with the front of my motor taken apart, my still ran.