Mystery Coolant Leak

jayscav · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 06:03 PM

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

I am having major issues with my 98 catera leaking coolant. Recently, my mechanic has replaced HCV and Aux water pump which was cracked. He got everything back together, than noticed the car was still leaking coolant toward back of the engine near firewall...But he cant see where it is coming from. It is coming from the back of the engine, off the exhaust manifold.... Any suggestions?????

All Hoses have been checked and are good....Leaks with radiator drained and no pressure in system...... It is somewhere where the head meets the Engine Block.....HELP!!!!!!!

todd2fst4u · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 11:28 PM

sounds like the heater control valve but you said you just had it replaced. i would have it looked at again. maybe the connections just aren't tight?

frank moran · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-08, 08:16 AM

There is a coolant bridge under the intake and there is a steel pipe dead center in the back of the engine that has coolant, it is sealed with a large O ring. Take a look at the recent pictures posted by sp Srinne? regarding his engine removal, he has some photos of the coolent bridge and the seals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayscav

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

I am having major issues with my 98 catera leaking coolant. Recently, my mechanic has replaced HCV and Aux water pump which was cracked. He got everything back together, than noticed the car was still leaking coolant toward back of the engine near firewall...But he cant see where it is coming from. It is coming from the back of the engine, off the exhaust manifold.... Any suggestions?????

All Hoses have been checked and are good....Leaks with radiator drained and no pressure in system...... It is somewhere where the head meets the Engine Block.....HELP!!!!!!!

jayscav · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-08, 12:36 PM

Thanks Todd/frank for the responses. I have forwarded on to my mechanic...I dont think he will ever work on another catera again....He is at an absolute loss and has the car completely apart once again....Any other tips or suggestions would be helpful while it is apart.....It has been over a week now, running out of money.. Very frustrating....Just hope he can find it asap....

frank moran · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-08, 10:02 AM

Put some dye in it, pressure up the radiator and let it sit over night, check it the next morning with a black light. That will get you close, rather then taking it apart....?

.OTE=jayscav;1464336]Thanks Todd/frank for the responses. I have forwarded on to my mechanic...I dont think he will ever work on another catera again....He is at an absolute loss and has the car completely apart once again....Any other tips or suggestions would be helpful while it is apart.....It has been over a week now, running out of money.. Very frustrating....Just hope he can find it asap....[/quote]

jayscav · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-08, 11:46 PM

Update:
Mechanic said he checked the steel pipe and O Rings and nothing from them..Checked the Oil Cooler and that was all dry as well. He said he can see dripping from underneath the car, but when he looks down thru engine he loses the leak. HE said the heat gaurd?? is in his way...Dont quote me on that...But he will remove it tomorrow and should be able to see the leak down thru the engine after he takes it off.....Please dont tell me it is a head gasket? Any more thoughts? Could it be?

livebait · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-08, 06:24 AM

I am sitting in the exact same position, with my Catera. I have removed the Intakes, and there are no visible leaks in the V or from the coolant pipe O-Ring. I am sitting at the same position of next trying to remove the heat shield to see. I hope it is not the head gasket either but what else is in there. Could there be a Frost plug? Any Idea's would be greatly appreciatted. As i dont think that heat shield is going to be an easy job

callingmonroe · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-08, 06:40 AM

If you take all this off he should went after the head gasket while all the work was being done. My wife had a neon and twice the gasket blew due to manufacture gasket, of course this was not covered in warranty.

livebait · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-08, 12:57 PM

Is it possible for the head gasket to be leaking coolant? There is a steady leak near the manifold but cant see where? Would the head gaskety leak out?

jayscav · #10 (**permalink**) 04-05-08, 12:24 PM

Yup. It was the head gasket..Blown... Unreal. Next is to see if it is warped and can be resealed...My Luck with this car has been awful....Or maybe it is just the car itself that is awful..