Coolant Leak

[JDrach]

So my cars been dripping coolant, I've looked everywhere I could and can't find the direct source, but my guess would be the water pump. My concern is if any of the coolant is leaking into the engine? Are there any signs other than taking the oil cap off and looking for a milky mixture in the valve cover?

[02NavyBlue]

If you pull the dipstick after it's been running, and there's no foam on it, there's no water/coolant in the engine. When the engine is cool enough, reach your hand down by the water pump and lower coolant elbow and feel for any coolant. Also check the heater hoses that are just behind the alternator, and check the lower rad hose. I say feel for it because you really can't see down there. Assuming it's dripping on the passenger side.

[JDrach]

Its is I've lifted it at my house and checked, at the lifts at my works garage and couldnt find the source. Somewhere around the water pump and power steering. From the top view, I couldn't see anything. Hoses seem fine and all. So when pulling the dipstick, after the cars been running, it should look like what exactly?

[ntreftz]

is the water getting on the crank pulley or is it on top of the water pump?

[JDrach]

here are the best pics i could go of it from underneath.
http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/drach30/media/02854017-2E4D-4C37-B40B-755A72812B1E-1359-000000C9472592D7_zps16366535.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

It seems to be dripping from a source higher than the drops show. I cant find the source and had someone else look at it and couldn't find it.

[02NavyBlue]

So when pulling the dipstick, after the cars been running, it should look like what exactly?

Just oil. It's okay if there are tiny bubbles if it was just running, but it has to be the same color as oil.


The level won't be accurate until it's sat for at least 10 minutes after being fully warmed up. If it's sat overnight and not started yet, that's the best time to check it.

[Scottydoggs]

could be the lower elbow leaking, and that would be why you can see it so good.

car off, you can stick your fingers along the pipe in the alt bracket towards the engine block and the lower elbow, and feel for moisture that way.

the water pump, grab its pulley with 2 hands, push one side while pulling the other, then back and fourth, if it moves its on its way out. and could be the leak.