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DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: ///m42 sport on March 17, 2009, 10:22:44 PM

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: ///m42 sport on March 17, 2009, 10:22:44 PM

I've noticed my coolant level a dip to the bottom of the resevoir tank after a wk or two after I fill it to the top. Not sure where to check since theres no obvious signs of leakage.  Everything is dry in the engine bay.

Relevant history:
changed all coolant hoses last summer.

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: individualist on March 18, 2009, 03:40:38 AM

Hard to say where your leak(s) are for sure but the water pump seal would be a good place to look. I had a hard find leak recently that caused me to remove the fan clutch assy, fan shroud and water pump pulley to actually get a good look at the bottom side of my water pump before the source was evident.

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: Jimmy Lewis on March 19, 2009, 03:23:29 PM

There could be a leak in one of the heater hoses or the core itself may be leaking. I would check those first. Another not so happy instance is that the head gasket is leaking, which could point to either coolant leaking around the gasket and down the block, or into oil passages and into the crankcase, which would be bad. If the car is running good otherwise I would check the simple things first, then delve into the more worrysome areas.

Does your heat seem to be working as it should be? Does the temperature of the coolant at the radiator/motor match the temperature you feel with the heat on full hot? If your engine is warming up as it should and your heat is subpar, then it most likely is a issue in or around the heater core.

Good luck figuring out your issue. I hope it turns out to be something simple.

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: Cobra Jet on March 23, 2009, 10:37:17 AM

check the black plastic coolant bypass pipe on the driver's side of the engine block, under the intake... common failure point as well..

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: stegosaurus on March 25, 2009, 05:53:26 PM

I've had a problem with coolant loss too. I think my problem is the bad one, some white milky stuff on the oil filler cap and dipstick, also steam coming from the exhaust. I'm still not sure what to do so its garaged as of today.

Title: locating coolant loss
Post by: monty23psk on March 25, 2009, 10:06:17 PM

If you have white milky stuff, then looks you are loosing coolant into the head. Check the oil dipstick, if it looks like chocolate milk, you have the answer, Looks like profile or head gasket went bad.