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Coolant leak issue

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Old Sep 23, 2014 | 08:32 PM
  #1  
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Default Coolant leak issue

Last year we bought a 2001 Coupe with 62k miles. I recently noticed some coolant on the garage floor. Before I take it to the dealer for a diagnosis what typically are the issues with this engine and the coolant? Is it just old hoses? Water pump? Any help is appreciated. Just don't want to get raked over the coals for something minor.
Thanks
BW
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Old Sep 23, 2014 | 08:37 PM
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Could you give more info on where under the car the coolant is appearing - like under the passenger side by the overflow tank, in front by the radiator, under where the water pump is, etc.?
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Old Sep 23, 2014 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Could you give more info on where under the car the coolant is appearing - like under the passenger side by the overflow tank, in front by the radiator, under where the water pump is, etc.?
It is exactly 35 1/2 inches from the nose of the car and just under the belts more toward the passenger side. Not under the overflow tank.
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Old Sep 23, 2014 | 09:19 PM
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If I had to guess I'd say under the water pump...
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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by bwinecker
Last year we bought a 2001 Coupe with 62k miles. I recently noticed some coolant on the garage floor. Before I take it to the dealer for a diagnosis what typically are the issues with this engine and the coolant? Is it just old hoses? Water pump? Any help is appreciated. Just don't want to get raked over the coals for something minor.
Thanks
BW
Go to Autozone and get their coolant pressure tester (for free) and charge up the system, get under, look around, and see where it is leaking.
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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by gmsuv
Go to Autozone and get their coolant pressure tester (for free) and charge up the system, get under, look around, and see where it is leaking.
It pressurizes the system and forces the coolant out of the leak.
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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 11:05 AM
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check the side tanks of the radiator.
It is plastic and may be cracked.
Might have to look close, (mine was hairline near the top) - wasn't readily apparent until the system was warm and under pressure.
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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 12:41 PM
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First off, I'd suggest going to have a mechanic look at it. No offense intended at all, but I get the feeling you're not much of a wrench bender. This is an all-aluminum engine, and not one you want to pop a hose or radiator side-tank, and run the coolant out of. That said, there are a couple possible simple solutions...

1. 3/8" coolant line under throttle body- I've seen a few of these seep enough to create small puddles in the garage- The press-on clamp loosens over time and needs to be replaced with an adjustable one.
2. Water pump weep hole- This signifies big things down the road- Replace it.
3. Check all of your large coolant hose ends- The non adjustable clamps loosen over time, and can be replaced with adjustable ones.
4. Check your radiator side tanks- If they're going bad, it's just a matter of time until they totally go bad. It will be quite a pop, and say goodbaye to all of your fluid.

If you're not 100% comfortable with these checks, have a mechanic check it out- This is an area not to take your time on!

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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 09:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Fed Up
First off, I'd suggest going to have a mechanic look at it. No offense intended at all, but I get the feeling you're not much of a wrench bender. This is an all-aluminum engine, and not one you want to pop a hose or radiator side-tank, and run the coolant out of. That said, there are a couple possible simple solutions...

1. 3/8" coolant line under throttle body- I've seen a few of these seep enough to create small puddles in the garage- The press-on clamp loosens over time and needs to be replaced with an adjustable one.
2. Water pump weep hole- This signifies big things down the road- Replace it.
3. Check all of your large coolant hose ends- The non adjustable clamps loosen over time, and can be replaced with adjustable ones.
4. Check your radiator side tanks- If they're going bad, it's just a matter of time until they totally go bad. It will be quite a pop, and say goodbaye to all of your fluid.

If you're not 100% comfortable with these checks, have a mechanic check it out- This is an area not to take your time on!

Thanks for the insight on this issue. Just trying to handle the diagnosis. I leave the repairs to the pros but I want to know exactly what is wrong and not get raked by the dealer. I am a machinist by trade and know my way around the machine shop well enough but I don't fix cars.
Thanks
BW
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Old Apr 19, 2016 | 09:53 PM
  #10  
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Default 2001 Coupe 5.7 Air Condition

Ok so the advice I was given about replacing the water pump in my Corvette was spot on and went great.
Now I have another question. Last year I had the AC charged and it worked fine all season. Just took her out this week and the AC is not cold again. So the question is do I keep charging it every year or take it have it fixed. What are the possible causes for losing the Freon from the system? What do I do to fix it assuming it is not serious.
Thank you for your help,
Bill

Last edited by bwinecker; Apr 19, 2016 at 09:54 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 12:09 PM
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I would have the A/C checked first. Keep in mind that if you need a compressor, the water pump has to come off to change it. Instant free labor for the water pump.
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 12:38 PM
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I had a problem like that when I bought mine. It turned oiut to be where the hoses attached to the coolant tank, It's not an overflow tank. I took the hoses loose from the tank, put a coating of silicon sealer around the nipples on the tank and plugged them back in. No leak anymore.
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 05:50 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Ron C!
I would have the A/C checked first. Keep in mind that if you need a compressor, the water pump has to come off to change it. Instant free labor for the water pump.
Already replaced the water pump last year so at least I know how it comes out. I'm just wondering would cause the Freon leak out in less than a year. i am hopeful the compressor is good. I will have it checked first as you recommend.
Thanks
Bill
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