The Infamous Coolant Leak

[Frostbite545]

Round 1:I had a LIM leak, and coolant started getting into the oil. At the same time, there was misfiring in one of the cylinders, but I dont think that was related. Every once in a while, coolant would shoot out all over the ground, then be fine for a couple days. I saw no leaking on the ground besides that. Anyway, fixing all that cost about $400.

Round 2:Its been about 4000 miles and one oil change since then. The other day I was driving and i smelled the ever so sweet smell of coolant coming from my vents. Every time the car is turned on, and for about 10 min. after, there is a steady drip drip drip of coolant coming from directly under the resevoir. I see no actual leaks from hoses or anything, just the coolant coming off of the frame.

I searched the coolant leak threads, but I cant really find any that sound like this. If you know of a good thread, please post it, if not, what is this?

[14alero]

Might be water pump? or loose Coolant hose

[Slitz]

Im gona go with 14alero on this one. Make sure all the hoses are nice and tight. I had to change my water pump on my GLS before i dealt with the actual coolant problem. Its a do nothing fix on a scale of 1-5 its like a 2.

[alerored04]

x3 on that one, check your hoodliner for the marks from the water pump spraying coolant upwards, that might give you a clue. hope you can figure it out.

[Frostbite545]

Ok, maybe it is a water pump...and the hoodliner already has a huge stain from all the coolant shooting off of belts onto it from before.

Maybe this will help determine for sure: At night, I got out of my car with the engine running, and I could see steam, which i assume was evaporated coolant, coming out right above the passenger side headlight, from under the hood there.

I hope it is a water pump, they are easier to fix.

[jabartram]

my coolant reservior actually split at the seam and slightly leaking coolant. replaced it and no problem since.

[King Asoka]

im 99% sure its the water pump. I had the same problem. could see the fluid on the ground but couldnt track down the source.

[Frostbite545]

Well, I had no time to do it myself, so I took my car in, and YAY! it was the water pump. My car is cured, and I dont have to drive the Suburban anymore.

[alerored04]

glad it was an easy fix.