Coolant Leak

[JPatterson98]

Hey, me again.

Got a new rack & pinion, so at least that problem was taken care of. But of course, something new has come up, this time being a coolant leak.

Not entirely sure where the leak is, as I cannot get a decent viewpoint of anything. Seems as though maybe there’s a clogged line somewhere that finally burst.

Looks as though either a line or gasket busted somewhere - there’s old coolant splashed all under the chassis.

Looked into the reservoir and there was this reddish-brown, almost clay looking material that I assume can only be old, dried up coolant. Topped her off to try and find the leak, but guess what? The new coolant didn’t budge a single bit. The only thing I can think of is that old coolant clogging any flow.

I haven’t had any overheating issues until now, but given the harshness of Alaskan winters, I wouldn’t be surprised if I did something wrong when winterizing.

Multiple problems in one, and I’m considering just replacing the entire coolant system if not a complete flush in an attempt to clear it out.

 

[rzr6-4]

Replacing the entire cooling system seems like a bit of an overreaction, very well could just be a $20 hose somewhere with a crack.

What do you mean the coolant went nowhere? As in you can still see the new fresh coolant in the tank after driving around? Are you sure that puddle is coolant and not just melted snow? Seems stupid I know but with that big of a puddle it should be pretty obvious where it's coming from if there is an actual leak.

If you haven't checked your coolant in a long time and you just had to add a bit, that's not that uncommon. If you went from full to super low in a couple days or a week, then yeah that's a problem.

 

[Mojo88]

There's really only one 'tried & true' method for diagnosing coolant leaks, and that's a pressure test. I'm using the same Stant pressure tester I bought over 40 years ago, and it still works perfectly. I see some for sale on eBay for short money. Or you may be able to just borrow one from your local auto store.

If you do end up buying a pressure tester, you need to make sure you get the proper adapter for your application.

Bottom line: pressure test it, or just keep guessing....................

 

[Daw14]

^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^

Put some pressure to the system, that will help find the source.

 

[JPatterson98]

Replacing the entire cooling system seems like a bit of an overreaction, very well could just be a $20 hose somewhere with a crack.

What do you mean the coolant went nowhere? As in you can still see the new fresh coolant in the tank after driving around? Are you sure that puddle is coolant and not just melted snow? Seems stupid I know but with that big of a puddle it should be pretty obvious where it's coming from if there is an actual leak.

If you haven't checked your coolant in a long time and you just had to add a bit, that's not that uncommon. If you went from full to super low in a couple days or a week, then yeah that's a problem.

There was no snow on my vehicle

The engine was overheating, upwards of 250°F, fan came on and I had to ease off of the throttle a bit to let it cool off. When I got home, there was a puddle of coolant in my garage. Looks as though it dumped a ton of coolant in the garage and even more while I was running errands the next day. I hadn’t had any issues prior to.

 

[EdGs]

250° is not good, you need to find that leak. Don't wait, or your engine will take a giant sh*t on you.

Pressure test the system. Mine (and at least 8 others I know of) leaked at a crack in the radiator below the upper radiator hose connection.


I would only recommend OE coolant 68163848AB (concentrate) 68163849AB (50/50). There are generic coolants that are compatible, but you can buy the OE concentrate for ~ $21/gallon on Amazon, mix with 1 gallon distilled water and you have 2 gallons of 50/50 mix for less than $25.

Get a coolant funnel, helps with bleeding the system.


If you add the wrong type coolant, it can gel up and plug up the works.

 

[EdGs]

@JPatterson98, did you only add coolant to the reservoir?

Did you check the coolant level at the radiator cap?

It should be full right up to the neck.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Need some advice. For the last 2 days my radiator fan has been running constantly and today I noticed a leak and coolant splashed everywhere on the bottom of the engine and surrounding components. Here is a pic of what I saw while running the engine. Coolant was dripping from this one spot and getting splashed everywhere by the serpentine belt. Where could this be coming from?

 

[Mojo88]

Need some advice. For the last 2 days my radiator fan has been running constantly and today I noticed a leak and coolant splashed everywhere on the bottom of the engine and surrounding components. Here is a pic of what I saw while running the engine. Coolant was dripping from this one spot and getting splashed everywhere by the serpentine belt. Where could this be coming from?

I would pressure test it, maybe use some compressed air to blow-clean that area, then pressurize and watch carefully.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Need some advice. For the last 2 days my radiator fan has been running constantly and today I noticed a leak and coolant splashed everywhere on the bottom of the engine and surrounding components. Here is a pic of what I saw while running the engine. Coolant was dripping from this one spot and getting splashed everywhere by the serpentine belt. Where could this be coming from?

Pressure test, period!!!!!

Shampoo the engine bay, and if you need to add some dye to the system, then do it, too.

This will help you pinpoint the leak source!

 

[04fxdwgi]

From the location of that drip, I would be checking the water pump real closely.

 

[Wild one]

Need some advice. For the last 2 days my radiator fan has been running constantly and today I noticed a leak and coolant splashed everywhere on the bottom of the engine and surrounding components. Here is a pic of what I saw while running the engine. Coolant was dripping from this one spot and getting splashed everywhere by the serpentine belt. Where could this be coming from?

Looks like you get to install a new water pump this week-end
I agree with @04fxdwgi check the water pump over close,but i'd bet money it's shat the bed on you

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Picked up a coolant pressure tester and it was the water pump. Coolant was coming out where the pulley shaft is. Me and my buddy got the old one off just after sunset and we started at 6pm. Came to a stopping point for the day and will resume tomorrow morning around 9 or 10 am. Hardest part was getting the darn hoses off!

 

[Wild one]

Picked up a coolant pressure tester and it was the water pump. Coolant was coming out where the pulley shaft is. Me and my buddy got the old one off just after sunset and we started at 6pm. Came to a stopping point for the day and will resume tomorrow morning around 9 or 10 am. Hardest part was getting the darn hoses off!

Do you have a set of flexible hose clamp pliars,they're almost a must have to work on newer vehicles.

https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Herramienta-abrazadera-manguera-automotriz-resistente/dp/B0917J3DBG?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yBcn8wW5fUydJIVQSvxDgkekM06-R4p5qRChQyiAgazmSiKKJXeNIYUTIUsEWYfpyuCM3LWjxYLXJfLcVW0eqi4Yy5nMjiF6S8ckjz8lwVunRgwWXGW2uE-TTC7FWtORMf2xqgAg7qxeF5qms-Nn6I2VtA4iLb27pK2Tfero4ytDL0_AnKrql-Umxvj_oaddey1xUsrJ6b7QExzXXArbGkyH87UV9w33jf96vQZe3Ks.LXeLliq7cxtaYOCrBJiJi1QBvLOJ3NOlQLCELaCNg6A&dib_tag=se&keywords=hose%2Bclamp%2Bpliers&qid=1778994129&sr=8-13&th=1

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Do you have a set of flexible hose clamp pliars,they're almost a must have to work on newer vehicles.

https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Herramienta-abrazadera-manguera-automotriz-resistente/dp/B0917J3DBG?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yBcn8wW5fUydJIVQSvxDgkekM06-R4p5qRChQyiAgazmSiKKJXeNIYUTIUsEWYfpyuCM3LWjxYLXJfLcVW0eqi4Yy5nMjiF6S8ckjz8lwVunRgwWXGW2uE-TTC7FWtORMf2xqgAg7qxeF5qms-Nn6I2VtA4iLb27pK2Tfero4ytDL0_AnKrql-Umxvj_oaddey1xUsrJ6b7QExzXXArbGkyH87UV9w33jf96vQZe3Ks.LXeLliq7cxtaYOCrBJiJi1QBvLOJ3NOlQLCELaCNg6A&dib_tag=se&keywords=hose%2Bclamp%2Bpliers&qid=1778994129&sr=8-13&th=1

Yes sir I do. My buddy brought his pair over, a true life saver.

 

[markabby]

There was no snow on my vehicle

The engine was overheating, upwards of 250°F, fan came on and I had to ease off of the throttle a bit to let it cool off. When I got home, there was a puddle of coolant in my garage. Looks as though it dumped a ton of coolant in the garage and even more while I was running errands the next day. I hadn’t had any issues prior to.

so, what was the outcome? was there a bad hose or gasket or pump?

hopefully not a freeze plug.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Just got done putting everything back together and it was the water pump. Coolant was leaking from the shaft area of the pulley. After finishing I still had no heat and the upper hose was too hot to touch and the new thermostat opened but never closed. I just dropped it off to get a flush and fill and have t it looked over. My hands hurt and I’m tired so I’ll let the mechanic figure this part out. Went back and verified that everything was hooked up correctly and I had no leaks at all. At least now I know how to do a water pump.

 

[markabby]

Just got done putting everything back together and it was the water pump. Coolant was leaking from the shaft area of the pulley. After finishing I still had no heat and the upper hose was too hot to touch and the new thermostat opened but never closed. I just dropped it off to get a flush and fill and have t it looked over. My hands hurt and I’m tired so I’ll let the mechanic figure this part out. Went back and verified that everything was hooked up correctly and I had no leaks at all. At least now I know how to do a water pump.

glad you got it fixed.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Pretty sure I just have air in the system and by the look of the old coolant it needs to be flushed and refilled. Should have the truck back before 5pm today.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Got her back and all is good. Heat is hot as the sun and A/C is like Alaska in winter. No leaks present and radiator runs normal. Coolant flush and filled made her happy.