Coolant leak
moliva1568
02-18-2012, 10:57 AM
I have a coolant leak and have been trying to track it down. I don't see it at the water pump, from the radiator, or around the reservoir. I was able to get some video and a few pics of where it seems to be coming from. All leaking coolant is appearing on the L hand side under hood. Please take a look and hopefully give me an idea if i've found the likely source or a result of the real culprit. The heat works but the other night it wasn't getting hot. I noticed the coolant was low and added some. Now it's low again and heat isn't there.
It's a 1991 G20 with 350 and AC.
Video from inside van (click on it to view)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/th_MVI_10651.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/?action=view¤t=MVI_10651.mp4)
Pic from inside
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMG_10641.jpg
Pics from under hood
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0093.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0095.jpg
Thanks
It's a 1991 G20 with 350 and AC.
Video from inside van (click on it to view)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/th_MVI_10651.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/?action=view¤t=MVI_10651.mp4)
Pic from inside
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMG_10641.jpg
Pics from under hood
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0093.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0095.jpg
Thanks
moliva1568
02-18-2012, 03:04 PM
Figured out it's the heater control valve. Purchased a new one but can't get the old one out. Any tips? should i cut the hoses or try to save them?
Thanks
Thanks
MagicRat
02-18-2012, 03:28 PM
Those hoses don't look too bad. Usually the hoses get the most wear right where the clamp goes. If there is extra length, you can trim-off the last half-inch so the new valve an the hose clamp sit on fresh rubber instead of the squished-down rubber from the old valve.
But if in doubt, use a new hose. Typically some universal straight hose will do. It's cheap to buy. You can always buy some extra length with a couple of extra clamps just in case you need to do an emergency repair when you are travelling.
But if in doubt, use a new hose. Typically some universal straight hose will do. It's cheap to buy. You can always buy some extra length with a couple of extra clamps just in case you need to do an emergency repair when you are travelling.
moliva1568
02-18-2012, 03:32 PM
Those hoses don't look too bad. Usually the hoses get the most wear right where the clamp goes. If there is extra length, you can trim-off the last half-inch so the new valve an the hose clamp sit on fresh rubber instead of the squished-down rubber from the old valve.
But if in doubt, use a new hose. Typically some universal straight hose will do. It's cheap to buy. You can always buy some extra length with a couple of extra clamps just in case you need to do an emergency repair when you are travelling.
They are a pain to try and get off. I was afraid to cut them, in particular the one going towards the radiator because of the curve and finding a replacement. But it's so tight in there i have way to wiggle them around at all. i may just have to cut it.
(disregard my question on the other thread, you've addressed it here. Sorry)
But if in doubt, use a new hose. Typically some universal straight hose will do. It's cheap to buy. You can always buy some extra length with a couple of extra clamps just in case you need to do an emergency repair when you are travelling.
They are a pain to try and get off. I was afraid to cut them, in particular the one going towards the radiator because of the curve and finding a replacement. But it's so tight in there i have way to wiggle them around at all. i may just have to cut it.
(disregard my question on the other thread, you've addressed it here. Sorry)
moliva1568
02-18-2012, 04:29 PM
Finally got it out and it only cost 2 hoses. I don't see any visible damage compared to the new one. Is it safe to say whatever failed might have been internal?
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0097.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0098.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0097.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/livewire1568/Van/IMAG0098.jpg
moliva1568
02-19-2012, 01:01 PM
Can someone tell me what is the correct heater hose size? 3/4 or 5/8
aleekat
02-19-2012, 01:19 PM
Just take your new valve with you to the auto parts store. Then just get a hose that fits snugly.
moliva1568
02-19-2012, 01:52 PM
Just take your new valve with you to the auto parts store. Then just get a hose that fits snugly.
is it safe to say it would also be snug enough for the heater core pipes?
Thanks
Edit: disregard this question. Looking at valve itself shows the different diameters
is it safe to say it would also be snug enough for the heater core pipes?
Thanks
Edit: disregard this question. Looking at valve itself shows the different diameters
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