coolant leak

[samus21]

I put a cold air intake on my car yesterday. I was driving around and when I got to a stop light I noticed my engine was smoking. I pulled over and found i had coolant alll over the left side of the engine bay. where would you look first for the leak? I dont see any visable leaks so it must be a coolant line tucked away or that I can't see without taking something apart.

 

[Slo2gen]

Number one spot is the little heater hose right above the header on the passenger side of the car.

 

[JRock20G]

Overflow reservoir?

 

[Chevy2g3]

This might sound dumb but did your coolant cap come loose? I was doing work on that side of my car once and hit the cap causing it to spill a little coolant.

 

[FRslimmyjim]

Check the thermostat housing. My old one actually cracked and started to leak. Also the gasket could be leaking if they didn't put any sealant on it.

 

[Absolut_VIII]

If your leak seems more focused towards the front of the engine bay then check the thermo housing and the hoses there, if it's towards the back firewall, check the heater core hoses.

 

[bryceorbiter]

If you can't find where the leak is, it could be the water pump. Check all the obvious things first, as the water pump is a pain in the butt to get to and replace.

You could add some highlighter fluid and check the car with a black light to find the leak if you are having a hard time.