GeoffJ

Hi guys,

I recently just noticed a patch of coolant on the floor, when i parked my car for about 3 days. The coolant bottle in the car still seems ok so i assume the leak isnt too major.

I was wondering if anyone could assist me in troubleshooting the leaks as i cant see the hoses or radiator because they are under the car. When i look directly under the car the coolant patch on the oil pan is on the left, meaning the left side is leaking(if this helps). Im just hoping its nothing major and easily fixable.

Thanks,

Geoff

Go48

It's doubtful that anyone here can pinpoint the source of a coolant leak for you based on your description. The car will most likely need to be put on a lift, or at least raised up so someone can crawl under it, and the undercover may have to be removed to locate the source of the leak. The coolant could be leaking at one point and running along the undercover or some other component and dripping at some other point. There are dye kits and pressure testers that may be helpful in locating the leak source. Good luck!

GeoffJ

Thanks for the replies, guess ill have to bring it into a mechanic tomorrow.

GeoffJ

Hrmm, the leak doesnt seem to major though i know its been leaking for quite some time. But the coolant bottle still seems pretty topped up 2/3rds, what are the chances of it being the water pump?.

Go48

There have been some premature failures of water pumps, so that is certainly a possibility. If it is the water pump and it has been leaking for some time as you say, there should be telltale signs of the leak at the weep hole located at the bottom of the pump. You could try looking at that point with a mirror, but with all the stuff in the way, you will likely have to remove the undercover to get a good look. The problem could be something as simple as a loose hose clamp.

Consider yourself fortunate in that your leak is external and probably "easily" repairable, as opposed to an internal coolant seal failure requiring an engine teardown. Yikes!

GeoffJ

Hopefully its not the radiator, water pump is under warranty. hoses/clamps no big deal LOL.
Thanks for tip. Mechanics arnt open tomorrow, so ill crawl underneath the car and see what i can find.

Thanks heaps.

rx8cited

GeoffJ,
The water pump is located below the alternator (aka generator down there?). It has two weep holes. Look around the edges of the water pump for signs of coolant leakage and also push a dry paper towel up against the bottom weep hole and see if it's damp. My water pump or gasket went bad without any notice - @ 57k miles. I replaced the water pump and thermostat.

GeoffJ

This may be a dumb question. But does this require me to get under the car or can i somehow access the waterpump through the hood?

rx8cited

You should be able to do a visual inspection of the water pump from above after removing the engine cover. You'll want to use a flashlight.

Inspecting from below would require removing the under cover ..... you really don't want to do that unless necessary because it's a PITA to take off unless the car is on a lift.

GeoffJ

ahh i cant see anything from above not a single green drop. Assuming after looking at the bottom it seems to be dripping out from the left side of the radiator.

rx8cited

You checked bottom water pump weep hole with a dry paper towel?

Cooling system diagram may help. Left side looking at front of car?

Maybe coolant reservoir or associated hoses, upper radiator hose, or radiator itself leaking. If you're inclined to dig further yourself, you'll have to remove the battery cover, case, and tray to view upper left side of radiator from above.

GeoffJ

Im just scared it could be a engine crack T_T. Not looking forward to a new motor for atleast 2 more years

rx8cited

Yikes! I hope it's not that. Year/mileage of car? Do let us know what it is.

GeoffJ

04` with 109,000kms

GeoffJ

Oh yeah, to check the waterpump i wont have to remove anything right?

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yep,

that is when they start to go.

about usa. 55k miles..

beers

GeoffJ

oh no, its leaking coolant and another oil. I topped up my engine oil with royal purple but the oil thats leaking is brown. Could it most likely be my tranny oil leaking?

swoope

iTrader: (5)

not likely..

engine oil will in a short time turn brown or black..

you might want to pull the lower tray and look around. pretty easy to do..

good luck.

beers

GeoffJ

I think the oil is coming out of the front crank seal...as for the coolant im not sure. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO A REBUILT, might just sell the car as it is and get a brand new wrx. which would probably save me some money in the long run.