coolant leak

[jpalero]

A few day ago the low coolant light came on. So we added some coolant to the tank and closed it back up. The light came back on the next day and sure enough the tank was empty. Refilled again and found that there appears to be a leak in the radiator on the bottom corner on the passengers side. I cannot see it but the hoses look good. Anyone familiar with this thing. Is it common? Seems weird to have a radiator fail on a 03 (V6 - 45K miles). Any easy fixes? How can you verify is the water pump is pumping?

chris

[Ridenour]

It could be a loose / cracked hose if it's down there. Or it could be the infamous LIM (lower intake manifold) gasket leak. You would know it if your pump wasn't working - your car would overheat. I would park on a dry, clean area, and determine exactly where the leak is coming from, or crawl underneath and look up at where the hoses attach.

[jmcghee]

I am currently having the same problem. I have a 2001 ALero GLS Coupe. I took it to my mechanic a few moths ago and he sealed it, but just recently it started leaking again. I had lost a lot of coolant and replaced it with regular coolant instead of the DEX-COOL. The low coolant light will come on and go off, but it does not seem to be leaking anymore. I am taking it back to my mechanic again this week to see if any damage may have been done, but the car is riding pretty good. It has not leaked in about 3 weeks.

Jeff

[JTrujillo86]

Some may disagree with me, but I would say first and foremost, get that green stuff flushed quick. I have heard, and posted about, water pumps failing on GM's after adding regular coolant instead of the Dexcool...

Also, if you are seeing a leak, I would bet it's not going to be the lower intake manifold gasket. Usually, the coolant leaks into the engine, rather than outside of it when the gasket has failed. This is what I experienced with my 97 Malibu.

Jeremy

[NJFrank]

Based on what you said it doesn't sound like the intake manifold gasket, but take a look for leaks in the area nonetheless to be sure.

Also re: JTrujillo86 post regarding, adding regular antifreeze, get it flushed and replaced with Dexcool, there have been posts about the dexcool and regular antifreeze not playing nice together inside the motor (cheap insurance), and effecting things like water pump seals as he said.

I had the intake manifold gasket problem on my alero, it leaked outside. Collected on the engine block on the drivers side. When I checked where is was coming from, you could see it on both sides

Good Luck