Coolant Leak

[Zeebadoo]

So last night I ran a shot of UV dye through my cooling system and what I found was coolant on the front underside of my engine (Just behind where the timing belt covers are.)

 

Does that sounds like a water pump leak? I couldn't see exactly where it was coming out of, just were it was going to.

 

I'd really like to run my A/C without the system running close to the red.

[rllywgn]

a shop once recommended in checking for cracked heads that loosening the blots to the exhaust manifold and sliding in a piece of white paper then retightening the bolts, let sit overnight and remove the paper in the morning.. if theres a fluid leak in the head it will show there.. when the engine cools and the metal shrinks fluid will leak..

it helped diagnose a cracked head for me... not saying thats the issue you have, but an option for checking..

 

 

rllywgn

[guido32]

Sounds like water pump to me my wife's xt kept loosing water in small amounts over time and finally the water pump started pissing. I would recommend a replacement. just my 2cents

[mikeshoup]

So last night I ran a shot of UV dye through my cooling system and what I found was coolant on the front underside of my engine (Just behind where the timing belt covers are.)

 

Does that sounds like a water pump leak? I couldn't see exactly where it was coming out of, just were it was going to.

 

I'd really like to run my A/C without the system running close to the red.

Pop off the covers, and check the water pump. Sometimes the little bypass hose that connects to it leaks too.

[Zeebadoo]

Pop off the covers, and check the water pump. Sometimes the little bypass hose that connects to it leaks too.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll give her a checkup this wednesday and let y'all know what's going on in there..

[thealleyboy]

Leaks in that area can be kinda tricky to track down. The h20 pump and bypass hose are a couple of possibilities, but I wouldn't even think of replacing those unless you are 100% certain.

The most thourough way to deal with leaks (IMO) is to start with a degreased engine. If you have never done this before, it is well worth the effort. You'll want to remove all splash pans, skid plate, etc for the intial cleaning at least. 2-3 cans of engine brite, a BBQ brush, and pressurized water will get the job done.

Once your motor is cleaned up, you'll be able to track down the coolant leak - and probably some other leaks you didn't want to know about. The dies are helpful, but a clean engine bay is one of the best troubleshooting tools you can ever have in staying on top of problems that crop up under the hood.

good luck, John