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Troubleshooting
/ Coolant Leak
Coolant Leaking from Engine
Engine coolant is used to transfer heat from the
engine
to the
radiator by the
cooling
system. The radiator removes heat from the coolant by forcing air through
the radiator fins. Without coolant, your engine will over heat and if left
unattended severe engine damage will occur. Coolant colors can vary from green,
orange, blue and yellow each having there own protective properties.
Coolant leaks
are a common car problems, we have listed some of the most popular causes below.
Red and Green Engine Coolant
Troubleshooting Procedure
Inspect the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank,
coolant level should be between the hot and cold marks. If the reservoir is empty
the cooling system
may have a leak. Always check the coolant level when the vehicle is cold, preferably
over night.
USE CAUTION WHEN CHECK YOUR COOLANT LEVEL,
ONLY CHECK LEVEL IN RADIATOR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD
Radiator Cap and Coolant Reservoir
A. Checking Water Pump. The water pump is used on the engine to
circulate coolant from the engine to the radiator. The water pump is powered by
the engine using a multi ribbed belt. The main shaft in the water pump is used the
support the drive pulley and the impeller. This pump shaft is supported by two bearings
and sealed by a shaft seal. If the seal or bearings fail it causes coolant to leak
from the inspection port in the water pump. The water pump must be removed and replace
with a new unit. Replacement instruction vary from car to car for exact instruction
consult an auto repair manual.
B. Check for Radiator Leaks.
The radiator is used to remove the heat from coolant that the engine has created.
Air is forced through radiator cooling fins either by car motion or by the cooling
fan. This cooling fan can either be driven by the engine or an electric motor. Radiators
are made from an aluminum core and two plastic tanks on either side. As a radiator
ages the plastic tank will crack causing coolant to leak. To inspect for this condition
use a flashlight to locate the radiator tanks. Inspect theses tanks and the seal
between the tank and the radiator core. If leakage is observed
remove car radiator to replace with a new unit, refill with coolant and recheck
the system.
Radiator Coolant Leak
C. Inspect Coolant Hoses. Rubber hoses are used to transfer coolant from
one part of the engine to an accessory like a heater core or the radiator. To inspect
hoses for leakage start with the engine cold, check hoses for cracks or bulging.
If a hose is discovered that exhibits either of these conditions replace the
hose with a new unit. When repairs have been completed refill the cooling system
and recheck. A cooling system service or flush will keep your vehicle's cooling
system from becoming acidic. This condition occurs by chemicals in the coolant
break
down creating acid. This acid is very corrosive and will destroy cooling system
components. Flush regularly and replace thermostat and refill system.
Coolant Chemical Breakdown
To avoid this problem simply change your coolant more often then the
recommended 100,000 miles. Change your coolant every 40,000 miles and you should
be ok. All engine coolants must be replaced on a normal schedule to avoid the
coolant changing its chemical base composition to a acid. This condition will
cause the coolant to eat away at internal engine parts, seals and gaskets,
causing premature engine failure and added expense. The coolant mixture to water
should be about 60% coolant and 40% water. Always add and check coolant level in the coolant
reservoir when the vehicle is cold. Be careful of harsh chemical flushes because
they can cause more damage then good, especially to aluminum heads, intake
manifolds, and the engine block, read the warning carefully on the label.
Troubleshooting
/
Coolant Leak
Check Manufacturer Specific Coolant
Leak Questions and Answers
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