Borderdawg

I have a 2004, ZO6 with under 22K miles. After driving it and parking it in the garage, I can smell coolant, mainly from the passenger side area. There’s no leakage coming from any of the hoses that I can see. I was wondering if I have a small leak at the water pump gasket. I’m thinking the leak is so small that when it leaks it evaporates from the engine heat. I talked to a few mechanics and was told “not worry about it and to let the leak show itself.” I was thinking of doing an overnight pressure test to pinpoint where it’s coming from. Any thoughts???

stu12dozen

Pressure test is the only way to know for sure.

Borderdawg

Pressure test it is!!! Thanks.

El original

Hopefully its not the heater core...if the windows fog up on heat/defrost setting its your culprit. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Rob

striper

I hope this will help you. Awhile back I had a similar problem. I didn't smell it until I shut the car off. I had no visible leaks anywhere. I don't remember who suggested this to me, but I replaced the cap on the coolant tank and it fixed the problem. Got it on Amazon for slightly more than $10.

ricoZg

I had a similar issue. Found out I had a small crack at the radiator outlet tank just above the lower radiator hose.

huesmann

Fortunately, you can get a Dorman overflow tank for under 50 bones. Unless the Dorman part has a bad rep on Vettes (I've used them to good effect on other cars)?

huesmann

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-75722-603-140.aspx

huesmann

I originally found it at RockAuto, but checked Dorman's site to be sure.

Borderdawg

Finally got around to performing the pressure test...leak is coming from right under the water pump pully and leaking on to the harmonic balancer. Is my water pump bad or is it the upper water pump seal?

mstromquist

Time for a new water pump. Haven't changed mine yet and I have the same issue. Not to hard to do from what others have said.