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Small Leak problem (Please Help)

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Old May 3, 2014 | 01:08 PM
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Default Small Leak problem (Please Help)

So i have a slight leak that i believe is coolant (because of the Orange color) So i just changed the radiator like a year ago so i know i could rule that out. Does anyone know if it would be the Hose? or just the tank that the Coolant sits in?
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Old May 3, 2014 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
There are a number of possibilities. Is there a puddl/stain on the ground? If so where is it in relation to where the car sits parked? Front center? Right side near wheel/tire? Left side front???

Profile indicates it is a 98 and if so and the surge tank is still original and the puddle is near the right wheel I would examine that carefully. The nipples on the surge tank that hoses attach to are prone to crack right where the nipple attaches to the surge tank. Only solution is a new surge tank.

If the puddle is in the center of the car the water pump could be the cause. With engine OFF put your hand under the pump and see if there is any moisture or if tou can get under the car look for signs of the coolant on the front of the engine or the balancer pulley.

Side tanks on the radiator could be leaking or clamps on the hoses could need tightening.

Any way you go at it you need to start looking for what is wet..........
Thank you i appreciate all you views on what to look for. It is coming from the right side of the car. I have the car in my garage and don't see any leaking on the ground. On my dash it does say low Coolant. I have a feeling it is the surge tank.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Examine the nipples on the surge tank carefully. The cracks occur where they attach to the tank. If the tank is the cause of the leak the coolant will be higher p in the engine compartment than if the water pump is the cause. If there is no coolant on the ground it MIGHT also be the water pump. When that leaks it is often when the cooling system is under pressure as you are driving and leaking coolant will either evaporate on the hot engine as it leaks or travel along the engine and drop to the ground somewhere other than under the pump. There should be stains on the engine or chassis where it leaked ie lower down in the engine compartment.

If the problem is the surge tank make certain you get the surge tank for your year.

Early year cars (97 - 99) have a sensor in the bottom of the tank and you need a replacement that has that sensor. I would also replace the cap on the surge tank if you are replacing the tank unless it has fairly recently been replaced.......
Thank you for all your help! you have been a huge help i have one more question. Only asking cause i know you know your stuff. My corvette has the ride control. I bought z06 shocks and my dad recently told me that a light would come on because i have magnetic shocks. Is there a way to bypass the light so it does not show.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:06 PM
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Going back to your coolant. If you have access to a cooling system pressure tester that would tell you quickly where your leak is.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RaysC5
Thank you for all your help! you have been a huge help i have one more question. Only asking cause i know you know your stuff. My corvette has the ride control. I bought z06 shocks and my dad recently told me that a light would come on because i have magnetic shocks. Is there a way to bypass the light so it does not show.
Zips got'em. Plug in part # SU-1195

https://www.zip-corvette.com/

https://www.zip-corvette.com/media/c...su-1195_67.jpg
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Wow thats costly. 200 Dollars for basically some caps.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Darrell98
Going back to your coolant. If you have access to a cooling system pressure tester that would tell you quickly where your leak is.
Thats a great idea! thank you.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by RaysC5
Wow thats costly. 200 Dollars for basically some caps.
OK, then don't buy them and buy the $500-$600 EACH shocks.

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Old May 3, 2014 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
A couple of choices.

1) You can buy plug and play simulators as has been suggested. They are basically a 10watt, 10ohm resistor with a matching plug to plug into the car wiring. They are usually more expensive because it is plug it in and go play.

2) You can purchase 10 watt 10 ohm resistors at Radio Shack or similar store and then solder them into the contacts in the connector ( I believe you can also cut the plugs off the shocks and solder to the wires on the plug). Probably a good idea to seal the resistors up in some heat shrink tube and RTV.

3) You can find someone with a TECH II tool and have them delete the F45 option in the BCM. Then you don't need simulators or resistors. Most dealers will not do that for you but doesn't hurt to ask........ If you go this route there is a procedure to delete the F45 RPO here on the forum.
I think the 2nd option sounds like a good way. Thank you for all your help and time today.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
OK, then don't buy them and buy the $500-$600 EACH shocks.

I refuse to do that!
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