Coolant Leak - Help Please

[whalerman]

My 96 with 180K on it is leaking coolant. The oil does not appear to be contaminated, nor does the coolant, the engine is not overheating according to the temperature gauge nor is the transmission. The car appears to have a newer radiator. I think the leak may be coming from the lower hose or from the two thinner hoses that I think go to the transmission. This looks like a bear to work on without a lift.

Where is the thermostat on this beast? I'm thinking of replacing that as I don't know if the one that is in the car is the original or not. Does this make sense?

I would appreciate your thoughts on how to pinpoint the leak and weather or not this repair is doable from the top of the car or if the engine shroud on the bottom needs to be pulled.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Whalerman

[Tapani]

The lower rad hose is connected to the thermostat housing and the thermostat is in the water pump inlet cavity, quite low on the engine.

If you replace it use only OEM part and get a new gasket - it does not come with the thermostat.

The hoses which go to the tranny contain ATF - so if the leak is coolant you know it's not there.

Water pump is a good candidate for the leak.... but that requires disassembling the timing covers and belt (and rad + fans).

See attached photo.

Kind regards,

Tapani

[whalerman]

Tapani,

Thanks for your quick reply. This sounds more like a job for the professionals than it does for me. Time to bite the big one and get out the wallet.

[dcarrb]

Start with the simple stuff: Be sure it's not just a loose hose clamp. Taking off the undertray and looking around underneath the car with a flashlight is easy. Use a rag to wipe grime from suspect areas.

dcb

[Tapani]

You do have the factory service manuals?

Can be down loaded here: http://phantomotaku.com/SVX/

/T

[Tim]

The leak can be deceptive, if it's coming from the top and leaking downward. If it's on the trans cooler check the lower radiator hose for clamp tightness or cracks in the rubber.