Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
Troubleshooting
/ Coolant Leak
Engine is Leaking Coolant
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 their own protective properties.
Coolant leaks
are common car problems; we have listed some of the most common 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 or in some cases the engines
timing 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 varies 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 created by the engine from the coolant.
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 these 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,
bulging or oil contamination. If a hose is discovered that exhibits any 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
when 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 with manufacturers recommend
coolant/anti-freeze.
Coolant Chemical Breakdown
To avoid this problem simply change your coolant more often than 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 an 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
(distilled
is recommended). 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 than good, especially to aluminum heads, intake
manifolds, and the engine block, read the warning carefully on the label.
For exact specific repair procedures for any of the steps above visit our
online repair
manual page.
Troubleshooting
/
Coolant Leak
Check Manufacturer Specific Coolant
Leak Questions and Answers
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