1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine coolant leak

BRYANT123

MEMBER
1999 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
0.6L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
15,527 MILES

So I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS, and im having troubles finding the leak. I started the car and looked under to see where it was leaking from. I waited about 5 minutes to finally see coolant start dripping from the two hoses that attach to the coolant container then I wiped it with a rag and it didn't leak from the hoses anymore but it was leaking from a little hole in the engine. And i'm not sure what it is exactly may you help me figure out what it is.

Thursday, September 17th, 2015 AT 7:36 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

If that "little hole" is perfectly round and about 1 1/2" or so in diameter, with a metal cover in it, that is a "core plug". Another common name for that is "freeze plug" because if the coolant freezes, that plug is likely to get pushed out.

Core plugs often corrode from the inside, especially if the coolant isn't changed every two years to replenish the additives that wear out. Some core plugs are very inexpensive to replace, but some take a long time due to problems getting to them, and other things in the way.

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Thursday, September 17th, 2015 AT 9:22 PM