2002 Subaru Impreza coolant leak

Tiny
GAKENT
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
After approximately 15 minutes of driving I stopped and I had steam coming from the left side of the hood. It did not appear to be coming from the rad area. But there was coolant dripping under the engine, but not directly under the rad, it was dripping further back. I drove it back home about 15 min. And could not see any leaks or steam. The car was put on ramps and no leaks were found. The temp gauge did not over heat.
Saturday, December 12th, 2015 AT 9:54 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That was probably the biggest mistake you could make by driving it home after that happened.

You need to fill the coolant and pressure test the system to find the leak and then hope that you didn't fry the engine by driving it home.
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Sunday, December 13th, 2015 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
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The car did not appear to be overheating, Before I drove it home I waited 1/2 hour and checked the coolant level, the rad had a good level of coolant. I checked it again after driving home, it was still full and did show any signs of leakage on the way home. It only seems to leak when the engine is cold.
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Sunday, December 13th, 2015 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That doesn't make any sensor. If you saw coolant come out and hit the ground, the system has to be low. You need to determine where that came from. This is assuming that you didn't recently overfill it.
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Sunday, December 13th, 2015 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
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I am wondering if it could be a head gasket leak
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Sunday, December 13th, 2015 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Head gaskets don't generally leak externally. The leak either into the crankcase or the burn the coolant in the combustion chamber. The latter being most common.
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Sunday, December 13th, 2015 AT 10:56 AM

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