98 grand am antifreeze leak

[madgootch]

My grand am sprung a leak about 3 months ago, so much that I added water instead of the costly antifreeze, the leak stopped, then my heater core eventually bad, 140,000 miles, so I put in a brand new heater core myself, at that time it only made sense that I put in antifreeze again, it then started leaking again, same spot as before the new heater core was installed, front of car, passenger side not front by the radiator. so I'm leaking antifreeze, I then added water, instead of antifreeze and then eventually it stopped leaking, I then pressurized it, determined to find the leak and got nothing, nothing leaked and the pressure stayed the same. everything worked fine didn't have to add anything for a month, it started getting a little cold out so I figured it was time to put in the antifreeze, drained the water, put in the antifreeze, and then it starts leaking again! I dont get it, why does my car leak when there is antifreeze in the car, but when water is used instead, it doesn't leak.......it doesn't make sense, I'm lost! Anybody know?

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

It appears that the problem exists because the water forms a scale inside the radiator due to corrosion thus stopping the leak. I know someone will probably say that the radiator is plastic, even so the issue is related to the water forming scale that blocks the hole. When you introduce antifreeze it contains anti-rust and scaling properties that eventually open the hole back up and allow it to leak. I would repair or replace the radiator as you stand to lose a whole lot more than antifreeze if the block freezes this winter. Also with pure water you are risking problems with the water pump and a good bit of rust issues inside the block and head that could force you to do a teardown or replace the engine.

[xeroinfinity]

I agree with GTP Dad on the water and the deposits scaling the leak.

Did you ever find where the leak was madgootch ?

Passengerside could be your water pump or the hoses or your intake,
if its a v6, since you didnt mention that.

[madgootch]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

I agree with GTP Dad on the water and the deposits scaling the leak.

Did you ever find where the leak was madgootch ?

Passengerside could be your water pump or the hoses or your intake,
if its a v6, since you didnt mention that.

No, Im gonna look at it on friday, I'll put a pressure gauge on it and see if I can find it, its not leaking from the radiator but more like underneath the right front center of the engine if that helps, I believe thats where the water pump is, I just hope its not too serious, hopefully just need to tighten a hose or something.

[xeroinfinity]

Is this a V6 or 4cyl ?

[madgootch]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Is this a V6 or 4cyl ?

A 4 cycle, I ended up putting antifreeze in it again today, didn't leak finally after driving around for 45 minutes it started leaking again, found the leak though, its leaking from the water pump, weird looking water pump, and looks tough to get at, won't be fun to put in a new one. Anybody know how much one is, probably around 80 bucks or so i'm guessing. Anyways I just found it weird that the water pump would leak with antifreeze but as soon as water was used it didn't leak, but I guess that it does make sense that water could scale a leak only for antifreeze to eat it away and open it up.

[xeroinfinity]

Yes this can be a pain to replace!

Good thing it wasnt something more serious.

Heres a link with instructions on replacment.


Hope that helps!

Also autozone has that waterpump for around $60 new.

[madgootch]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Yes this can be a pain to replace!

Good thing it wasnt something more serious.

Heres a link with instructions on replacment.


Hope that helps!

Also autozone has that waterpump for around $60 new.

Hey thanks for the help, every little bit helps you know........cool site lot of helpful people definetley use this more often when I have some kind of car dilema...

[xeroinfinity]

No prob !
Glad to help