Coolant leak

Tiny
CLIF MORRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 KIA SORENTO
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I had to replace the heater (y-hose) on the back of the engine as it split and broke. Prior to changing, wife noticed temperature going up but not getting into the red zone, so she turned it off. That is when I noticed the hose split. I now have another leak but can't seem to find it. The engine temperature does not go more than half-way (safe zone). I jacked the car up and water was still flowing onto the transmission from what appeared to be the back of the engine onto the ground. It was flowing pretty good. I filled the reservoir when I got home and cranked the car and waited to see it flow out onto the ground. It took about 10-15 minutes before I started seeing it flow onto the ground. I looked from what little I could see at the rear of the engine and could not see a leak but I did see puddling where it was flowing onto the transmission housing. What else can I look at in order to determine where it may be coming from? If the engine is not running, I can fill the reservoir and it stays where I filled it. I also noted it to be intermittent. Once I jacked the car up from the front, the flow appeared to be slower.
Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 7:40 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

The first thing I suggest is to perform a cooling system pressure test. It is basically a pump that pressurizes the cooling system with the engine off. You can perform this with the engine off and cold to reduce injury. Once the system is pressurized you will be able to see where the leaks are coming from. If you don't have access to a pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. Here is tutorial showing how to pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

While testing I find it better to fill the system with tap water so you don't waste expensive coolant until it is repaired. Once you find the leak get back to us and we'll help with the repair. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
CLIF MORRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
A friend of ours checked and it appeared to be coming from the water pump. Is there a good website/video which explains how to change this on a 2006 kia sorento? I know it involves taking a lot of parts off the front.
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Saturday, February 6th, 2021 AT 5:26 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Yes, this kind of information is what our site provides. We are happy to help! Here are a few tutorials for you to view to get you started on water pump replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-water-pump

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

You will need to remove the serpentine belt to gain access for removal of the water pump. Here is a tutorial showing how to remove and replace a serpentine belt:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace both the serpentine belt and water pump on your vehicle. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, February 6th, 2021 AT 12:05 PM

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