ThrelkeldsZ

Ok I have a 1998 z28 and everytime i fiil it with coolant i lose coolant. I can see coolant on the ground but i cant determine where its coming. Ive already changed the radiator and the thermostat.

AmDWs6

keep the hood open and see where it's leaking from,
i'm guessing the heater hoses or what ever they are called, also check the hoses to the water pump.

if that doesn't help check from underneath the car although that won't help much either.

TransAmBlue

Most likely the water pump gaskets.

ThrelkeldsZ

How difficult replacing the gasket?

garygnu

easy job to replace WP gaskets.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Put the front end on ramps and start the engine.....let it get up to operating temp, then shut it off. Then wait 10 minutes and start looking for leaks with a flashlight.

Don't start changing gaskets or anything else and tossing MORE money in the trash can trying to chase the problem.

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ThrelkeldsZ

Ok I'll try that as soon as I get the car back from being painted

mlmedina26

If you can get a cooling system pressure tester you can put presssure on the system and just trace it to where its leaking.

ThrelkeldsZ

I've done the pressure test and I couldn't get it to leak

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

Is this something that can be done somewhere or is it a tool?

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

You can take it somewhere or buy the tool yourself. I bought mine from my Snap On guy but I am sure other places sell them.

There is only so many places coolant can leak on these cars.

When the car leaks, where is it at under the car? Up front towards the radiator, in the middle?

Another thing you can do is put dye in the coolant system, drive it for a while then look for the leak with a black light and the UV glasses.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Guys.....be very careful when pressure testing the cooling system. When you start make sure the RADIATOR is 100% topped off........not the overflow tank......the radiator. This way you can tell if any coolant was lost when you remove the tester cap.

If there is coolant missing but you saw nothing dripping onto the ground or elsewhere......you may have filled a cylinder with coolant through a leak in one of the head gaskets. If you did and you start the engine you could lose the engine by hydra-locking it. Then you'll be pulling the engine to replace broken internal parts.

If you have missing coolant, but no external evidence.....you better pull all 8 spark plugs to see if a cylinder is filled with coolant. Turn the engine over with the plugs removed for about 5 seconds to spit any coolant out, that may have filled a cylinder.

it's happened before.....it will happen again.....

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ThrelkeldsZ

When it leaks its at the front towards the radiator on the passenger side. I even pulled out the overflow tank to check it for leaks

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

You probably have a leaking or cracked plastic side tank. They can be replaced for about $40.00, I think that's what I paid years ago at a radiator shop.

If that's what it is. Could be leaking from the Low Coolant sensor, or if you have an automatic tranny they sometimes start leaking from the gaskets that seal the tranny fluid cooler that's inside the passengers side plastic tank. There's two ports for the cooler on the passengers side back of the radiator. Possibly a loose radiator hose clamp on that side....the lower radiator hose.

You just have to get under the car, put the front up on ramps......get the engine up to operating temp and start looking for the leak.

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