[RESOLVED] Coolant leak need some suggestions

[Jdiddy2k4]

Okay my car was driving fine yesterday and then just a minute ago I park in my parking lot to get my mail and what do you know, smoke is coming from under the hood. I get the car to my garage and pop the hood and coolant is on the intake, maf, upper intercooler pipe, and tranny. Any suggestions on where it could be coming from in regards to the areas that were affected? I am going to replace the upper and lower hoses, but isn't there other things that should be looked at?

 

[Boost92awd]

If coolant is up that high is sounds like it could be the upper radiator hose. I'd rinse it off and keep and eye on it so you can pin point exactly where its leaking.

 

[gofer]

i agree with boost92awd, upper coolant hose. but i have seen the plastic inlet crack on the radiator where that hose connects and ive also seen the radiator cap go bad too. also check your coolant lines on the turbo coming from the left side of your motor (as you look at it) those are rubber and can crack from age as well.

 

[ClevelandDSM]

upper hose, radiator cap, overflow purge is facing side to side or laying on something instead of down, crack in radiator fins or top of housing causing a pin hole to spray.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

thanks about to go check those now. It has a new radiator cap(bought from autozone, so maybe it could be this), the purge tube is facing down.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

okay i don't think it is the upper hose I am hearing a hissing coming from the thermostat area. What is around that area that should be checked? I am assuming I will also need to replace the thermostat also?

 

[Boost92awd]

It probally wouldnt hurt to change the thermostat also, its like a $5 part.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

so any other suggestions as to what it might be because it is hissing from the thermostat housing and radiator cap area? I idled the car and it stayed in the right zone and then it started to rise real slow so I shut it back off

 

[Boost92awd]

It could be the radiator cap itself.

 

[Jeff99GS]

Check your throttle body area. You may have a leak up there.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

ok thanks im draining the coolant system now because the radiator looked like it was really low and I am going to fill it up with a new fresh bottle and see what happens. Would I be able to see the leak with the car just idling or no?

 

[Boost92awd]

^^^ Maybe it all depends how bad the leak is.

 

[Jeff99GS]

If you have and autozone or parts store that rents tools, you can rent a coolant system pressure tester. It just clamps on to the filler neck and you pump it up. This will pressurize the system to help you find any leaks.

I would change the hoses that go to the throttle body...they are often overlooked.
I bet they're still original OEM.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

okay wtf after all of this I idle the car because I am flushing the system, so I step on the gas and then look under the car to see a running stream of coolant and then look into the engine bay and guess where the leak is coming from.....The freaking thermostat housing. It only leaks after I step on the gas. So this should be a simple rtv and bolt it up right? It must've come lose or something during the month that it was at the body shop.

 

[Boost92awd]

Theres a gasket that goes in between there. I wouldnt trust RTV by itself. Just buy a new gasket there only a couple $$.

 

[throwedgsx]

Go to an auto parts store and Permatex makes water pump and cooling system sealant. It's in a blue tube. Take the thermostat housing off and the water inlet and goup that stuff on. That sealant alone will seal it plenty fine. it's a cheap 3 dollar fix. Replace the t-stat while your at it.

 

[Jdiddy2k4]

okay thanks i'll be back on the road in no time .

 

[PIMking]

Check your throttle body area. I believe Coolant runs through the throttle body to keep it cool. You may have a leak up there.

how do you have a 13 second car and be so wrong?

Why would you want warm coolant running through the trottle body? to keep it cool?

 

[Jeff99GS]

What part is wrong? My TB has coolant running through it. And those hoses are often overlooked...Just thought it may be a good place for this guy to start looking for leaks. My bad.

I work on my cars...I dont read books and talk about engine specs all day...That's why I have a 13 second car.

Doing shit gets you a lot more than talkin about shit.

Now below is a lil quote I grabbed off another thread from DSMJIM (wiseman)

This amuses me. What makes you think your throttle body and or intake manifold are cooler now because coolant is no longer running through the FIAV? Your manifold after a hard run is way hotter than your coolant is even at max temp. What your saying is impossible, however I'm interested in how you came to this conclusion?

Blocking the FAIV does absolutely nothing other than not allow your car to have a fast idle to warm up. Other then stopping that (why?) it doesn't absolutely nothing (zip zero nada) for performance.

 

[PIMking]

So your saying sending 200* coolant into the throttle body is good?

I understand the part of the coolant hoses.

I deleted the FIAV on my car I dont want 200* coolant running through my TB. I also have a laser Thermometer and I guess I will have to go to the drag strip and see what the temp is at the throttle body.

 

[Jeff99GS]

Well I deleted the part about cooling the TB and Mani down. You are right its not there to cool the TB an MaNI.

But as DSMJim points out your Intake mani can get hotter than the Coolant even at max Temps.