pulled the cover off the engine and it had clearly been leaking for a long time. Above the water jacket was covered in crystallized coolant to the point it looked like one solid surface. I am degreasing the cover and will put it back on the engine. He thought he had serious engine problems because he would have to add antifreeze periodically but turns out it was just a leaky timing cover gasket. Add a brand new water pump and aluminum elbows and it'll be good to go for a while longer.