Leaking Coolant
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Leaking Coolant
Awhile ago my coolant sensor came on so I filled it up...it got low again so I filled it but got it checked out and I have a small leak somewhere. I drive today in the warm weather and I smell something after I parked. I looked and there is a good size puddle under the car. I drive again and park and it's just running out pretty well What are some of the common leaks? Someone told me a water pump maybe?
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Sounds crazy but make sure the arrows are lined up where they are supposed to be as shown on the cap. I checked mine one day, did not tighten it enough and it leaked out somehow, filled her back up, tightened it up and nothing ever leaked again.
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Hmmm not it lol...I wish it were this simple....it looks like its coming directly under the middle and running down a bar close to the bottom of the belts (the big wheel)...tough to describe.
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I'm an idiot and don't know much about cars. Could you explain this (not the nighty nite part). How much am I looking to fix it? Hard to fix by a mechanic? Someone point me to a parts store that's been good to you/or get a used one?
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#9
your post reads you got it checked out. did they not tell you where it was coming from? how many miles are on your car? are you the org owner. you this could as simple as a leaky water hose all the way to a leaky water pump. usually heater cores leak in the passenger floor board so thats probably not it. jack it up and start it up and look for it or pay a mechanic $50 or 60 bucks an hr to tell you.
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Not sure where you're saying its coming from or anything, however, I had a loose petcock a while back and that will cause it to pour out.. Check and see if its in tight..
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Yeah this just really sucks...we have a technical college and they thought it could be the hoses or the pump...they couldn't find exactly where it was at...It has 63xxx miles and I am the 3rd owner....2nd guy only put 900 miles on it...first 28kish. No I'm not going to the gathering. I don't think I could take off of work for it and drive that far
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sounds like a waterpump.
not surprised that some tech school dropouts could not see the leak.. you may have to actually get dirty to see.
at that mileage, on the original pump you're on borrowed time.
a rebuilt napa pump costs $120.
it takes 2 hours or maybe a hair more your first time.. basically because the OE< gasket is a bitch to get off.
i did this on my car the second week i had it.. same problem.
i would sincerley doubt it's a hose unless someone has previously been fooling around under there.
not surprised that some tech school dropouts could not see the leak.. you may have to actually get dirty to see.
at that mileage, on the original pump you're on borrowed time.
a rebuilt napa pump costs $120.
it takes 2 hours or maybe a hair more your first time.. basically because the OE< gasket is a bitch to get off.
i did this on my car the second week i had it.. same problem.
i would sincerley doubt it's a hose unless someone has previously been fooling around under there.
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in terms of a DIY:
remove the air bridge
remove the throttle body
remove the primary belt
remove the lower driver's idler pulley (makes it easier)
remove the belt tensioner
remove the hoses
remove the 6 pump bolts
swap the pulley
swap the thermostat
reinstall and make sure your torque the pump correctly
remove the air bridge
remove the throttle body
remove the primary belt
remove the lower driver's idler pulley (makes it easier)
remove the belt tensioner
remove the hoses
remove the 6 pump bolts
swap the pulley
swap the thermostat
reinstall and make sure your torque the pump correctly
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Before you do anything, pressurize the the cooling system. I think you can rent the tool at Autozone, Advance, etc. When you pressurize the system, you should be able to see with a flashlight where the coolant is seeping out from.
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I've never done any kind of mechanical work on my car...so I don't really have any confidence in myself. Should I just take it to the techs or do it myself? Also, is the rebuilt one the way to go?
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Get yourself a good repair manual. You will save yourself a hell of alot of money doing your own repairs. It's not that hard doing basic repairs, just take your time and focus on what you are doing.