98 Malibu Coolant Leak - Please Help!

[idiq]

Alright, so here's what's going on: At about 70,000 miles I had my water pump replaced.

I am now at 140,000 miles, and recently had an oil change done at Firestone. They recommended that I replace the Upper and Lower Hoses on the radiator.

Curious, I asked what had been going on to warrant replacement, they simply told me they were the same hoses from the purchase of the car and I should consider replacing them.

Last night my coolant began to leak. As of now, it's completely gone. I chalked this up to be the Upper and Lower hoses, so I went and purchased some at Advance Auto. I found both hoses and the leak, but the issue now appears that it's neither hoses.

The leak appears to be coming from the back of the engine. I removed the heat shield to get a better look at the area, and I can't tell if it's dripping from a part, or if it's running down from another area, but either way, it's not remotely near the Upper or Lower hose (which are on the front).

I'm just worried it may be the water pump again, or the head gasket. Can anyone offer any suggestions? To be specific, if you're looking at where the cat-back comes out of the headers, and head right (toward the passenger side) about 6-8 inches, it appears to be coming from that "thing".

[16th hippy]

a little lost on where you are talking about. engine size would help a bit too. check where the lower intake manifold contacts the heads, front and back, both sides. it could be that infamous leak.

[idiq]

Had a pressure test done today, appears to be the Water Pump, AGAIN.

2.4L - various quotes between $900 and $1000

Hayes tells me it's the weep hole.

Damn you GM

Bicycle for now, this job is for next weekend.

[slls]

Originally Posted by idiq

Had a pressure test done today, appears to be the Water Pump, AGAIN.

2.4L - various quotes between $900 and $1000

Hayes tells me it's the weep hole.

Damn you GM

Bicycle for now, this job is for next weekend.

About right, a lot go just above 60K. Very Poor pump design, need to disassemble front of engine.

[16th hippy]

forget the intake....thought maybe it was a v-6. best of luck on the water pump.