coolant leak
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vermilion Ohio
coolant leak
I have a coolant leak on my 90 coupe, L-98.It appears to be coming from the drivers side and dripping down on the oil filter.It sure looks like a head gasket to me.Its wet right in the area in the back where the block and head come together.Is this a job to be attempted at home or leave to a pro?I've worked on older vettes,but this C-4 is a whole new ballgame for me.So far I've added a couple qts. of coolant to the reservor,but its slowly leaking out.Any possibility it could be coming from somewhere else?All the hoses and rad seem to be good,car only has 15,500 mi.Any suggestions,head gasket change is a pretty good sized job.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,313
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From: High Ridge Missouri
Mine appeared to be the same thing, but it was actually the rear corner of the intake leaking and
running a trail down along the back of the head. Maybe you'll get lucky as well and that's all yours will be. I'd clean it as best as you can and reinspect.
running a trail down along the back of the head. Maybe you'll get lucky as well and that's all yours will be. I'd clean it as best as you can and reinspect.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by ultraviolet70
I'd clean it as best as you can and reinspect.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vermilion Ohio
coolant leak
Thanks,that all makes good sense,but the problem is I can't even get my hand in between the cylinder head and firewall.I can't really even see much back there.It's loaded with wire looms,tubing,plug wires,ect.thats waht makes this such a b_ _ _ch.I did notice a slight oder of burnt oil after driving the car,wouldn't this indicate an intake leak?Thanks again
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
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I agree with UltraViolet. My coolant leak came from my intake as well. If your knowledgeable about the TPI's it helps. If you are mechanically inclined it should only take a day or two max to tear down and rebuild. They really aren't that bad to take apart, just time consuming. Label everything if your not familiar. Good luck. 
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From: Vermilion Ohio
coolant leak
O.K. the general concensus so far is that its an intake manifold leak,which makes the job a little better.I've learned from previous posts on the forum that the intakes on these C-4's are noted for leaks on the backside.If I opt to do this job,what gaskets will I need beside intake,plenum,and distributor?Should I get these from the dealer or elsewhere?Any tips on doing this job by those who have done it,would be appreciated.Thanks
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
Off the top of my head...you will need intake manifold gasket set (only use the side gaskets and not the end gaskets...the ends will need just RTV). Plenum and runner gasket set and a distrubitor gasket (All Felpro and use "The Right Stuff"). Also when you disconnect the fuel lines it would be a good idea to replace the o-rings with brown fuel o-rings and not black ones. It's been a while, so maybe others just finished doing this and can be more detail. Also helps to have a book to follow the steps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Woodstock Georgia
Originally Posted by chevy bob
O.K. the general concensus so far is that its an intake manifold leak,which makes the job a little better.I've learned from previous posts on the forum that the intakes on these C-4's are noted for leaks on the backside.If I opt to do this job,what gaskets will I need beside intake,plenum,and distributor?Should I get these from the dealer or elsewhere?Any tips on doing this job by those who have done it,would be appreciated.Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vermilion Ohio
coolant leak found
Thanks to everyone who chipped in,I found the leak,and its not going to be a bigee!Its the hose going to the oil cooler,which is why I had coolant all over the oil filter.Looks like I dodged a bullet.I would highly recomend having a coolant pressure tester in your toolbox,it saved me.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 429
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From: Plains Ga.
coolant leak???
This is follow up suggestion to all who have leaks in your cooling systems that you can't seem to find. Buy or borrow a "hand pump" style radiator/cooling system leak tester. You can pressurize the whole cooling system with engine off. This will find your leak most of the time.
If it is leaking into the combustion chamber you can pull the sparkplugs and check for coolant. If it is leaking into the crankcase the oil will be "milky" looking.
That's my 2 cents,
JTHVETTE
If it is leaking into the combustion chamber you can pull the sparkplugs and check for coolant. If it is leaking into the crankcase the oil will be "milky" looking.
That's my 2 cents,
JTHVETTE
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Vandenberg AFB California
I was installing a new exhaust sytem last night and noticed that there is a small drip of coolant coming from what looks like the rear port on the exhaust manifold right above the oil cooler. I know that the head and the rear of the intake are right near there, but it really looks like it is coming from exhaust manifold.
Is that even possible????
What would cause that? Head gasket?
Is that even possible????
What would cause that? Head gasket?
