1991 Chevy Corsica Coolant Leak

BJESSIP666

MEMBER
1991 CHEVROLET CORSICA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
147,596 MILES

I recently purchased this car used and have discovered that I have a coolant leak that is difficult to pinpoint its origin. The car does not leak any coolant while it's running. I notice a small puddle after the car sits for a couple of hours. Recently I noticed a puddle on the ground and it appeared to be coming from the drivers side on the backside of the transmission pan area near the firewall. There is no oder of coolant in the car when using the heater and no coolant inside the car. I plan to put some cardboard under the car tonight when I get home to help assist in the location of the leak. I did take the car to a self service craft shop over the weekend and put my hand on all the heater hoses and around the water pump weep hole. I didn't find any leaks. I even let the car run for 20 minutes and there were no puddles on the ground. The car runs good and there is no mixture of oil/water in the crankcase. The oil is clean. The engine temperture does not appear to be running hot. The gauge reflects the temperature to be in the mid-range (halfway between the C and H.

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi bjessip666,

Thank you for the dsonation.

A pressure test would be the easiest way to locate leaks.

Are you sure it is coolant or is it water being drained from the A/C cooling coil?

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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 7:35 AM

BJESSIP666

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4 POSTS

I'm positive it's coolant. I keep having to add coolant to the reservoir. The A/C doesn't work. I think it's low on freon and if I'm not mistaken, it's the old R12 system which I don't plan on charging it back up. I'm currently in Germany working with the US military. I picked the car up from a German car lot for a local work car only. Anyway, A/C is not really needed in Germany. The local auto crafshop didn't have a pressure tester available. However, I have scheduled an appointement with our AAFES garage next week and they have the tester.

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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 10:17 AM

BJESSIP666

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4 POSTS

I put a piece of cardboard under the car last night when I got home and waited a few hours. I checked the cardboard and discovered one of the heater hoses near the firewall dripping coolant. I have ordered new heater hoses and clamps. Appreciate the feedback.

Bill

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 3:38 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

If it is the heater hoses that are leaking, be careful when removing them. The heater hose joints are rather soft and can be damaged easily.

After removing the clamp, any attempt to twist the hose off might result in damage to the hose. DO NOT use a plier to grip the hose to try to remove it.

Use a sharp blade to slice the hose open and carefully pry the hose apart to get it off.
DO NOT cut too deep or too hard to avoid cutting into the heater joint.

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 6:55 AM

BJESSIP666

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the tip on cutting the hoses vs. Twisting and pulling. I will be sure to remove by cutting the hose off as suggested. Someone has already removed the hose before and replaced with an oversized clamp.

Bill