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Coolant leak?

Tiny
CAMOMIA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
My engine started overheating a few days back and I noticed a leak in the upper hose. I changed it, still overheated so I replaced the thermostat. I was filling it with coolant and noticed after a few minutes that the coolant was running out onto the ground. I checked the hose and noticed a steady stream of liquid flowing in front of, but to the left of where I just had replaced the thermostat and it seemed to be running from somewhere in the block. I've been told leak in the intake possibly, but someone also mentioned the freeze plugs. I have no idea what the or where the freeze plugs are. Where are they located and is it something I could fix myself, if it is in fact the problem. Any recommendations, help, instructions would be greatly appreciated !
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Thursday, March 19th, 2009 AT 11:11 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
EUGENE123
  • MECHANIC
  • 273 POSTS
Suspect an intake gasket leak or head gaskets if the leak is toward the bottom of the block then you have a blowed head gasket if the leak is toward the top of the motor its intake gaskets as far as freeze out plugs leaking that is possible but highy unlikely on these types of motors. This guide can help us find it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
If the hose leaked before you put the thermastat in and was not leaking from any where else at that time after you put the new thermastat in then you noticed it leaking when you filled it I would take another look at the housing that holds the thermastat in place. When replacing the thermastar all the old gasket needs to be removed before you put the new thermastat and gasket on. I have learned this y experience. I once did not clean the area and as soon as I put fluid in it the fluid would leak out. Not saying this is the problem but just something to look at.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:23 AM
Tiny
SAMANTHA.POINTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
My 97 Chevy Malibu 2.4L overheated today and is leaking anti-freeze from the Tranny fluid pan underneith the car. It will not hold any thing in the water reservoir. It either leaks out really fast or drips slowly. I can't figure out where the leak is coming from, no visble signs. Just that its dripping off the tranny pan under the car, and there is no holes and no tranny fluid leaking out from it. Just the antifreeze. Its consistently leaking as of right now. Any ideas on what it is? Or How to find out where its leaking from?
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
When leaks occurs, you have to visually inspect and look out for the source. Remove anything that is obstructing our view and a small mirro might be helpful.

Remove the radiator cap and see if the leakage speeds up.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Do not remove radiator cap when car is hot/warm. Wait till it's cold.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TUBIS13
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
I have read several posts on here in regards to the leaking of anti-freeze and many mention the "lower intake manifold gasket" and its many causes of this. I have this area somewhat apart (to find the leak) and have it pinpointed, but could use some further assistance with repair. The car is in perfect condition otherwise, so need to get fixed. Chevrolet mechanic techs preferably. Please email me at tubis13@live. Com

Thank you.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Can you still pressure test the system? Did you open the cooling system?
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TUBIS13
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The cooling system was opened as most of the Dex-Cool had since leaked out. The remaining balance was drained from the petcock in the radiator. I have since put some more coolant in it, so I can get it turned around in my garage and have AAA towed to the shop.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLAIROF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I have put antifreeze in my car and it continues to leak out. It seems to be leaking from almost the middle of the undercarriage of the car. I am not sure if it is a hose or the radiator. I was not sure where the radiator was located in the car.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JETSA
  • MEMBER
  • 117 POSTS
The intake manifold gaskets on the Malibu's are notorious for leaking and where you are describing the drip is a tell-tale sign of an intake leak.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)

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