1996 Ciera, Coolant leaks
Moonshayde
11-24-2008, 11:58 PM
I've had my car for almost 2 years, it was previously owned, but in good condition and has about 148,000 miles on it. Runs well. The most work that's been done on it since I've had it is we replaced a dry-rotted hose and I replaced some blown fuses.
About two weeks ago it started giving me fits and I checked and saw that the coolant had completely leaked out. The entire side of the transmission case was soaked with green and it was pooling in indentions on the engine. All my hoses seem to be in good condition and the coolant seems to becoming from inside the engine or between it and the transmission case. I've found some resources that point to something called an intake manifest gasket. I know almost nothing about engines and was wondering what that was and if it might actually be something like that.
It can leak out an entire tank of coolant in about a day and I fear for every pet in the area. It's been dipping below freezing so I can't just get by with water. My father has already spent several days working on it and proclaimed it fixed, something about a fast clip hose plastic thing, but it proceeded to leak right back out.
Is this something that needs to be looked at by a professional? I have confidence in my father, up to a point, but I also really like my car and want to keep it running...
:runaround:
About two weeks ago it started giving me fits and I checked and saw that the coolant had completely leaked out. The entire side of the transmission case was soaked with green and it was pooling in indentions on the engine. All my hoses seem to be in good condition and the coolant seems to becoming from inside the engine or between it and the transmission case. I've found some resources that point to something called an intake manifest gasket. I know almost nothing about engines and was wondering what that was and if it might actually be something like that.
It can leak out an entire tank of coolant in about a day and I fear for every pet in the area. It's been dipping below freezing so I can't just get by with water. My father has already spent several days working on it and proclaimed it fixed, something about a fast clip hose plastic thing, but it proceeded to leak right back out.
Is this something that needs to be looked at by a professional? I have confidence in my father, up to a point, but I also really like my car and want to keep it running...
:runaround:
MagicRat
11-25-2008, 08:42 AM
intake manifest gasket. :
That's intake manifold gasket. :)
Usually when that gasket goes, it allows the coolant to leak into the engine which will cause expensive engine damage if driven.
It's easy to make sure this has not happened. Pull out the engine oil dipstick, (engine not running) wipe the oil off, push the dipstick back in thge tube, all the way, then pull it out. If the oil level is within the normal range and is beige to dark brown colour, you are okay. However, if the level is too high and/or the oil looks like a frothy, foggy brown/green milkshake then you have coolant in the oil, and you should not drive the car until a mechanic looks at it.
As for the external leak........ when you replaced "the dry rotted hose" was this a radiator hose? Did you replace ALL the hoses?
Usually of one radiator hose is bad, it's a good idea to replace ALL coolant hoses, including the fat upper and lower radiator hose as well as all the heater core hoses. Depending on the car, there may be 5, 6 or more hoses to replace. When the hoses are replaced, use new clamps and take a close look at all the fittings where the hoses attach) and make sure they are not damaged.
If you are unsure, its a good idea to take it to a mechanic. If (s)he suggests an expensive repair, make sure he shows you exactly where the leak is coming from and justifies the cost. Usually its easy for a mechanic to find an external leak. They can pressurize the cooling system with about 15 psi, which will make the leak easy to find.
If you go that route, feel free to post back what the mechanic says before going ahead with a repair.
That's intake manifold gasket. :)
Usually when that gasket goes, it allows the coolant to leak into the engine which will cause expensive engine damage if driven.
It's easy to make sure this has not happened. Pull out the engine oil dipstick, (engine not running) wipe the oil off, push the dipstick back in thge tube, all the way, then pull it out. If the oil level is within the normal range and is beige to dark brown colour, you are okay. However, if the level is too high and/or the oil looks like a frothy, foggy brown/green milkshake then you have coolant in the oil, and you should not drive the car until a mechanic looks at it.
As for the external leak........ when you replaced "the dry rotted hose" was this a radiator hose? Did you replace ALL the hoses?
Usually of one radiator hose is bad, it's a good idea to replace ALL coolant hoses, including the fat upper and lower radiator hose as well as all the heater core hoses. Depending on the car, there may be 5, 6 or more hoses to replace. When the hoses are replaced, use new clamps and take a close look at all the fittings where the hoses attach) and make sure they are not damaged.
If you are unsure, its a good idea to take it to a mechanic. If (s)he suggests an expensive repair, make sure he shows you exactly where the leak is coming from and justifies the cost. Usually its easy for a mechanic to find an external leak. They can pressurize the cooling system with about 15 psi, which will make the leak easy to find.
If you go that route, feel free to post back what the mechanic says before going ahead with a repair.
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