Where is my cooling leak? 3.8L 2000 WS

[pktaske]

Can anyone direct me to a diagram of the cooling system? I've got a leak somewhere in the back of the engine and I want to know where the hoses are located before I go in again. Most likely a leaky heater hose going into or out of the firewall (right?). Most of the antifreeze is ending up on the top of the exhaust (Cat?). I tried to get in there quick before it got dark and was only able to see one hose running from the passenger side of the engine into the firewall. I dont think that was the leaker. Again, I did this fast. Where is the other hose? Not much room back there even with the cowls off. I tried to look from underneath on ramps but the sun was down.

Note that the car does not overheat. If I refill system, it will leak on the first trip but not on the second or any subsequent ones until I refill. Only going 7 miles or less.

Thanks...

[pktaske]

Well, I found it. Small pinhole in the steel "Y" tube that connectes to the heater hose. Right at the Y where the small tube is welded (?) on. I's like to solder or use some JB Weld. Very small. Will either hold up? Anything else?

[pktaske]

Originally Posted by pktaske

Well, I found it. Small pinhole in the steel "Y" tube that connectes to the heater hose. Right at the Y where the small tube is welded (?) on. I's like to solder or use some JB Weld. Very small. Will either hold up? Anything else?

I sweated the hole and used lead based solder. Looks like it will hold. We'll see.

[pktaske]

Originally Posted by pktaske

I sweated the hole and used lead based solder. Looks like it will hold. We'll see.

still holding. ithink solder is a better solution as it expands with the heat much better than the epoxy based solutions.

[wiswind]

Very good.....you might want to put some Barr's Stop Leak in.....you can get it in tablet form at Napa...and some other auto part stores......
Lot of stuff in the back side of the motor.....where you cannot see it.
1 heater hose(s) on passenger side.....with very short elbow part that goes into firewall.

The other one is on the driver side....LONG heater hose that goes from the lower intake manifold....)right by the thermostat...where the upper radiator hose goes)......and around to the back.....into the firewall.
This one connects to the pipe on the lower intake manifold with a "quick connector" that I think is 3/4" size.
That quick connector is a real pain......I have pictures of it in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to.
I do not have pictures of the passenger side hose/pipe.....or the firewall connections.....as.....I have not had to mess with those on mine.

I have a '96.....so mine might be slightly different.