[RESOLVED] 1g leaking coolant

Custom GSX · 06-20-2012, 08:48 PM

Wonder if anyone has ran into this problem. I found that my 90 GSX is leaking coolant on the driver side of the engine. The stream is coming from above the cv axle on the driver side. I can't seen in there very well, so I'm not sure if it's the head gasket or the front cover?? It's to high and to far back to be the water pump I think. Any suggestions would be great....

bryanwheat · 06-20-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Custom GSX

Wonder if anyone has ran into this problem. I found that my 90 GSX is leaking coolant on the driver side of the engine. The stream is coming from above the cv axle on the driver side. I can't seen in there very well, so I'm not sure if it's the head gasket or the front cover?? It's to high and to far back to be the water pump I think. Any suggestions would be great....

If it is back there than it is coming from the head gasket or possibly one of the hoses on the throttle body.

MHuddy1213 · 06-20-2012, 08:55 PM

try taking off the timing belt cover if you want or pressurize the system with a pump they sell the kit online and sertant hardware stores not sure if autozone does though then you can use a flashlight and try and see where its coming from to figure what needs to be done

Custom GSX · 06-20-2012, 08:56 PM

I think it's to far from the throttle body but I'll take a look. Also there's coolant coming around the crank pulley, not sure if it's related.

MHuddy1213 · 06-20-2012, 08:57 PM

it does sound kinda like a headgasket though to me

around the crank pully usually not always mean your waterpump is gone

Custom GSX · 06-20-2012, 08:57 PM

Thanks mhuddy1213, I do have a pressure tester and will do that.

MHuddy1213 · 06-20-2012, 09:07 PM

anytime keep us posted or if you have any questions

forcefed_90tsi · 06-21-2012, 12:15 AM

I had a similar problem with it dumping coolant from right there and it turned out to be a blown head gasket and the head was extremely warped. The Guy I bought it from tried running into the ground I guess.

Alan11 · 06-21-2012, 12:48 AM

Heater core hoses.. stop chasing waterfalls just take the timing cover off.

Custom GSX · 06-21-2012, 05:18 AM

Alan 11 the timing cover is off but the heater core hoses are on the opposite side of the engine.

jpv91120 · 06-21-2012, 05:26 AM

Might be a freeze plug leaking, there are 4 of them on the back of the block under the intake manifold.

Custom GSX · 06-21-2012, 05:33 AM

Jpv91120, that's what I've been trying to research. If there were any freeze plugs but I couldn't find anything. I've heard of freeze plugs coming out but not leaking. I guess after I pressure test the system I'm going to have to start tarring it apart till I could get a good view of where it's coming from. Thanks everyone and if you have more suggestions keep them coming.

bryanwheat · 06-21-2012, 05:52 AM

If you jack the car up and put it on jack stands than you can see the back of the engine from under the car. I would jack it up, fill the cooling system than pressurize it and get under the car and watch for water spraying out.

hotrodssnova · 06-21-2012, 06:10 AM

There's a freeze plug on the head behind the cam gears, that's the only one on that end of the engine.

jpv91120 · 06-21-2012, 08:53 AM

I have my engine out right now so when I get off work I will take pics of all the freeze plug locations

iugrad92turbo · 06-21-2012, 09:01 AM

That sucks i hate chasing down coolant issues they can leak from different places then elsewhere.

jpv91120 · 06-21-2012, 11:57 AM

4g63 freeze plug location - YouTube

Made a video, thought it would be easier, now this is a block off a 99' so not sure if yours will be exactly the same but should be very close at least.

Custom GSX · 06-21-2012, 05:56 PM

Jpv91120 thanks for the vid, that's perfect. And thanks to all the post guys. Just got off work so I'm going to jack up the car and throw the pressure tester at it. I'll post what I find, again thanks!

So no leak with pressure tester on it at 15psi, held pressure for 30 min. So im going to drive it and get it warm and check again.

jpv91120 · 06-21-2012, 06:49 PM

Keep us posted

Custom GSX · 06-21-2012, 07:38 PM

Ok I washed the engine and ran it till it was hot. Pressure tested the system and found a coolant stream coming from behind the front cover. But the a/c compressor bracket is in the way of the stream. So no I think I going to pull the intake manifold and see if I can find the problem... Any suggestion on what it could be???

MHuddy1213 · 06-21-2012, 08:01 PM

the timing belt cover your saying? if so in that location its right below the waterpump

Custom GSX · 06-21-2012, 08:19 PM

Yea but the stream is to far from the water pump I'm sure. I looked at the water pump and it did not look wet. But I want know till I start pulling stuff off it I guess.

here a picture of the coolant leak and my found ripped cv boot.

jpv91120 · 06-22-2012, 03:56 AM

If you have a telescoping mirror you might be able to see where it is coming from without taking anything off. I hope it isn't your freeze plug, those are a pain to replace with the engine in the car.

UIM125, Mirror, Inspection, Telescoping, 1 1/4" Mirror

Custom GSX · 06-22-2012, 05:15 AM

Looked with a mirror and you can see a stream along the back side of the cover following upwards till, you run into the a/c bracket. Then you can not see above that from under the car.

jpv91120 · 06-22-2012, 09:59 AM

Could head gasket or a freeze plug I guess, if you can wrap something around where the head meets the block aluminium foil you could see if the flow changes where it comes down, whatever you use make sure it won't melt. You said it only leaks after it was warmed up so if intake manifold so you can see what's going on it won't be leaking. If the flow changes it is probably your head gasket if not probably the freeze plug, not an easy spot to be working on I know.

MHuddy1213 · 06-22-2012, 10:18 AM

take the whole timing belt cover off and look at it its the only way you can really find it your going to have to pull it all off anyways weather its a headgasket a freeze plug or a water pump so instead of guessing just take it apart and really see what it is

jpv91120 · 06-22-2012, 12:28 PM

I was just trying to think of a way to find oh where it was coming from while still keeping the car running as that's the only time the leak showed. Taking the top timing belt cover off might make it easier to see. Could always pull the ac to get a better look although it would kinda suck. If it is the head gasket you may have coolant in your oil, could drain some oil and check. Another idea would be to use a long thin strip of cardbord and prob around behind there till it comes back wet.

Custom GSX · 06-22-2012, 05:24 PM

Ya it's hard to find but I just borrowed my buddies boroscope so I'm going to look with that. It should let me see the leak with being able to let the car get hot.ill keep you posted

MHuddy1213 · 06-22-2012, 09:20 PM

im just saying buddy theres many things it could be and you should get it fixed its possible there could be some in the oil but just cause a headgasket blows dont mean there will be coolant in the oil but it is a good thing to check the oil will look milky if there is coolant in it the scope is a good idea without taking things apart sometimes hard to see with them but i just suggest waiting for a day off and pulling the belt cover if you cant figure it out with the scope you can run the car for a few mins while theyre off too but only for a few mins are you sure it only leaks when up to temp??

Custom GSX · 06-22-2012, 10:27 PM

Yep it held pressure with no leaks cold, and dropped 1psi every ten min and leakes when it's warm