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Coolant leak

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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 06:53 PM
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Default Coolant leak

Hi

I found a little coolant sitting on top of the engine beside the thermostat housing the coolant is pure green no contamination only happens now and then,,I can't see where it could be coming from any help would be great 79 vette

Terry
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 06:59 PM
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you will prob. have to replace the thermostat and housing. make sure you check the sealing surface at the intake a lot of times electrolysis will eat them up.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 07:08 PM
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Thanks so much I was worried it was something major

Terry
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 09:01 PM
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Before you do anything else take a very close look at the underside of your heater hose running into the intake...the leak you describe is very common and that's usually the cause. There's usually a pin hole there that only leaks when the system is pressurized, so no leak when sitting and not running. If it is that, easiest fix ever, get a new hose and the peasants rejoice. If you can't find a pin hole look at the clamp area and roll the hose around a little in your hand.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 12:10 AM
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The first thing I would try is tightening the radiator hose clamp.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 01:36 PM
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Remove the excess coolant and wash/wipe down all of the items in that area. Once they are clean and dry, start the car and allow it to warm up while you watch that area very carefully. You should have a bright light so that you can see well, even in shadowed areas.

Eventually, you should be able to see the onset of that leakage. That will tell you exactly where the leak is coming from, thus the "cause". Once you know the cause, the solution will be simple.

Common causes of leakage in that area: failing heater hose; failing radiator hose; stat gasket leak; minor leak up through the bolt threads of a stat housing bolt (the ends of these bolts should be wiped with Permatex gasket sealant before being installed); porosity in the intake manifold or stat housing castings.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 07:39 PM
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Thanks so much for your help looks like it is the heater hose going into the manifold

Terry

One other question is it a big job to replace the master cylinder.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 07:46 PM
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Replacing the Master Cylinder isn't difficult. Two bolts and two brake lines to disconnect and it's off. Use a good set of flare nut wrenches on the lines so you don't round off the fittings and make sure you bench bleed the new Master Cylinder BEFORE you install it. Bleed the brakes (that's the hardest part) and you're done.
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