Sentinelist

I've developed a significant coolant leak, leaving nearly a pint underneath at every stop (key off) I make. I haven't crawled underneath yet, and it's impossible to make heads or tails from above. Current plan is to have this towed to my indy late this week for repair (I need a new clear coolant bottle, etc. anyway before summer). Any off chance I have an easy fix on my hands? It's near impossible with my now-opaque OE bottle and proper refilling process to keep tabs on a nominal level. Overheating light comes on within 15 minutes, so anything more than a neighborhood grocery run is right out. Car is down until this gets resolved.

Fara

The overtemp leads me to believe it may be coming from your water pump. I'd check there and the related piping to start with.

catamount

Also, make sure the radiator fan is working. It and the temp sensor for it are common failures. Don't forget, a clogged radiator can create havoc.

Sentinelist

Water pump was just replaced in September but I won't rule it out (the last one actually turned out to be the cause of it overheating back then; previous owner). I believe the radiator fan is fine but I'll double check. Temp sensor maybe though with a pool of coolant I know something's wrong and its readings are likely accurate. I'm betting radiator, but it could be a simple hose leak. What will the radiator repair run me if that's the culprit?

Fortunately I haven't had a boil-over situation or broken down. Appointment set for Thursday.

John_AZ

I use the coolant pressure tester that AutoZone rents/deposit (~$80 refundable).

I had a leak in the radiator fan switch gasket. Replaced. Leak gone. None other found.

GL
John

jeffrsmith

I was leaving a puddle every time I parked for more than 10 minutes, I used the coolant pressure tester also, thought I had a leak at the hose clamp. Turns out the end tank crimp has failed - time for a new rad.

max_boost951

On a turbo there is a 3" hose that is right before the coolant bleed screw that was leaking on mine and the coolant was following the slant of the motor along the head dumping in on the starter. I thought it was a coolant leak coming from the rear. Psych, couldn't see it traveling along the head.

kinda5150

i had 3 places i was losing coolant: drain plug was busted, as was the fitting to the overflow tube, and lastly at that little 6" piece of hose to the heater valve. the one to the overflow tube was giving the worst of it and it actually broke on my 3 different times.

odurandina

combustion chamber (head gaskets going)....

some of us are running water injected and don't even know it.


watch for worn rubber seals on your reservoir tank caps (causing inadequate pressure)....

968 GUY

My turbo thermostat housing had warped and fluid was leaking, but hard to see the actual leak.
New water pump probably comes with a new turbo thermostat housing, so that may not be an issue but might check.

Sentinelist

Thanks, all. I'm going to use one of my free AT&T roadside tows this afternoon (flatbed) to err on the side of caution and just get it into the shop sooner than later.

Of note: I don't have much time on my hands lately to check for this kind of stuff myself, mainly because I'm expecting the birth of my second son any day now.

mytrplseven

Well, don't give him a foot ball, give him a set of metric sockets.

dontnow

Congrats on the upcoming bundle. Good luck w/leak, hope it is easy.

TexasRider

Congrats on the new baby .

Hope it is something small on car. Sometimes the "while you are in there" thing can pay some dividends. One of them can be with cooling system hoses.

BlackOp

I's start with the radiator drain plug...they are made from plastic and break if you look at them wrong. It's a $4 part...mine failed and left me stranded. Takes 5 minutes to replace.

You should rent a pressure tester....hook it up to your coolant tank. Really easy to use and are free at auto-zone or the like. It will probably answer your question..