Coolant leak from middle of car?

[WestCoastSVX]

Well against better judgment I've still been driving the car to work and just not using the heater (not sure if that helps slow the problem or not?). Still small green puddles under the car from time to time, still not enough coolant loss in the radiator to be noticed though.

But I did get proactive and take the passenger seat out and lift up the carpet to see the dreaded puddles. But it is completely DRY both front and back on the passenger side. This is under the carpet, bare metal where the puddles are shown in past threads on heater core failure.

Beyond that I also double checked the two hoses in the engine bay were intact (they are actually only 3 years old) and attached well on both ends - and dry.

Also looked under the dash the best I could from the passenger side and could see nothing that was wet. Did see the one hose under the glove box and it was attached and dry. Not sure if I could actually see any part of the heater core itself from this angle with everything assembled though.

As mentioned, I do have the small puddles from the rear of the engine, and do smell coolant sometimes from the vents. But seem to not have the puddles.

Is this 100% heater core in spite of it all? Or could it be something else like headgasket?

[michael]

I'd say get out the jack stands and have a look underneath. Trace where the coolant is coming from.

[rlutz]

Originally Posted by MacGyver

Well against better judgment I've still been driving the car to work and just not using the heater (not sure if that helps slow the problem or not?). Still small green puddles under the car from time to time, still not enough coolant loss in the radiator to be noticed though.

But I did get proactive and take the passenger seat out and lift up the carpet to see the dreaded puddles. But it is completely DRY both front and back on the passenger side. This is under the carpet, bare metal where the puddles are shown in past threads on heater core failure.

Beyond that I also double checked the two hoses in the engine bay were intact (they are actually only 3 years old) and attached well on both ends - and dry.

Also looked under the dash the best I could from the passenger side and could see nothing that was wet. Did see the one hose under the glove box and it was attached and dry. Not sure if I could actually see any part of the heater core itself from this angle with everything assembled though.

As mentioned, I do have the small puddles from the rear of the engine, and do smell coolant sometimes from the vents. But seem to not have the puddles.

Is this 100% heater core in spite of it all? Or could it be something else like headgasket?

As I remember, there are a couple of coolant lines that attach to the throttle body to keep it warm. They are at the very back of the engine but on top. My '92's were cracked at the hose clamps and just starting to leak when I replaced them last year along with all the vacuum lines. Could be dripping there and drooling around to where you see your puddles...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/30340.pdf