I have a 1987 GL Coupe that I just picked up.  It is running 'ok', some hesitation and a little surging.  Did a basic tune up and oil and coolant (the shop had put in two quarts of oil too much and I drained it, some had dripped on the cat I think from the rear seal but stopped).  Been driving it for about 2 weeks to work it out and yesterday I checked the coolant and it was down a quart and the reservoir was empty.  I had put a can of conditioner in it after the change so I just filled it up and have taken about 4 trips around town to work and back and I'm getting a coolant smell every once in a while and just a wisp of steam from under the carb between the spare and the air cleaner.  There as a tiny pool pf coolant on top of the block, maybe 1 tablespoon.  It has a 1.8 OHC with 100k on it and otherwise seems ok.  What should I be checking?  Where might this be coming from? I've not seen this before in any of my EA-82's.  Any help is appreciated.

small hose from block to thermostat housing

 

small hose from base of carb, over manifold and to the heater supply line.

+1 Just get new hoses for everything and be done. Any coolant leak will be the death of that engine if left unchecked and old hoses are notorious for creating mayhem.

Is there also coolant that prairie dogs about the carb base like ea81? Not sure if it has a flow but maybe just heat transfer so may need carb off to check

There is a coolant passage at the base of the carb or throtitle body. A leak can occur there. Also, the intake manifold gaskets can do this. Use only oem for those.

 

Watch the coolant level in both the radiator and the recovery tank like a hawk. You do not want to be low on coolant.

Awesome! Thank you guys. Yeah I am, unfortunately, well aware of the temperature sensitivity of these engines. I think the first thing is to get a pressure check and do the hoses. Luckily the oil is still clear so I will put this in dry dock and work on it. Thanks again.

I've had the intake leaks not show with a pressure test. You won't typically see water in the oil until the headgaskets are very well blown.

 

All 7 hoses is a good idea.

Hoses it is. The car sat for over a year so there are probably several that are dried out.

[Edited my post because I found the correct thread for my similar question]

Edited September 16, 20178 yr by Tony Cortado

A little late but I wanted to thank you guys for the info.  It was a little hose down by the bottom of the carb.  Now it runs nice and the coolant level is stable.  A couple of follow up questions, I'm not looking for a race car, but would a 2 bbl carb (webber) improve drivability?  Better starts and smoother acceleration?  Also, what is the best way to tow this?  1987 GL coupe with push button awd 3 speed auto.  I will have to tow it from NY to AZ.  I'll probably tow it with a 97 Legacy outback so I can't use a full trailer.  Suggestions?

Trailer it unless it has brand new tires. If you use a tow dolly it needs the driveshaft removed. what parts of Arizona are you coming too? I'm in Northern az in Prescott. Do the Weber, it makes a world of difference in acceleration, power, and sounds lightly agressive.

I'm in Tucson, or will be in a few months when I retire.  The tow dolly sounds like a good compromise since I will be using the Legacy to tow it and don't want to overload the tranny.  I think I will try the carb switch since the drivetrain is in good shape.  Thanks!