coolant leak under intake manifold

AFBeefcake · #1 04-04-2006, 08:32 PM

My car seems to be leaking coolant. I see a small amount of coolant ontop of the block right behind the ps pump. Its not the hose, but I think it is the aluminum tube that runs ontop of the motor.

Any one see a leak from this location before.

Electrophil · #2 04-04-2006, 08:56 PM

No, but it doesn't sound good. Is it bad?

dcarrb · #3 04-05-2006, 05:52 AM

I remember when I replaced the coolant temp sensor on mine I gave that heater tube arrangement a once-over and thought: Sure would be a PITA if that thing ever started leaking. Guessing from that memory, I suspect the intake would have to come off to get to the thing.

dcb

AFBeefcake · #4 04-05-2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electrophil

No, but it doesn't sound good. Is it bad?

Well Its weird I drove the car around allot this week end 2 hour drive to NH. No problems that I could see, but when I got home and parked the car I could see seam coming out of the hood. When I first installed my PWR radiator and silicone hoses I had some coolant in the same place, but I thought I had just spilled some. It evaporated and did not come back. Two weeks ago I checked my coolant leave and had to top it off. After I toped it off I smelled coolant for a couple days.

I'm asuming that there is a gasket between the block and the coolant tube. Looks like a pain to get in there and replace it.

Chiketkd · #5 04-05-2006, 09:36 AM

Hey Beef,

Question for ya. I didn't realize you replaced your hoses when you installed the PWR radiator. When you installed the silicone hoses, did you use new clamps? What style of clamp are they? Are you using a higher-than-stock radiator pressure cap?

The coolant you see around the base of that aluminum pipe (that comes out of the top of the block) may actually be dripping down from the back of the coolant hose. If the hose clamp isn't tight enough or can't apply enough pressure, some coolant may leak when you turn the engine off (coolant is no longer being circulated by the water pump and cooled by the radiator - hot coolant expands and the top & bottom radiator hoses are the only places in the system that will allow any significant expansion).

Can you take a pic of where the leak is coming from?

AFBeefcake · #6 04-05-2006, 09:43 AM

I used T-bolt clamps and the cap that came from PWR. I have not had time to look closely at my car yet. I'll try to get some pics tonight.

Chiketkd · #7 04-05-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFBeefcake

I used T-bolt clamps and the cap that came from PWR. I have not had time to look closely at my car yet. I'll try to get some pics tonight.

T-clamps are definitely the ones to use. Check that the clamp which fastens the hose to that aluminum pipe is bolted down tightly. That could be the cause of your leak - and gravity will cause it to pool at the base of that pipe.

AFBeefcake · #8 04-05-2006, 05:32 PM

Would CV joint grease on the passengers side CAT cause smoke?
I looked at my car the coolant is not low and I don't see any coolant behind the ps pump like before. But there seams to be grease all over the firewall and CAT. I just replaced the CV joint on that side to.

Earthworm · #9 04-05-2006, 06:00 PM

I would say yes