Yet another cooling system question 56K WARNING!

sapper · Post by **sapper** » April 18th, 2005, 9:40 pm

Ok, So after my car overheated, my compression test, and cooling system pressure test, while looking around under the hood in search for answers, I've found a leak. At first I though it was the head gasket, then the block, but I think I'm freaking out over nothing. The leak is coming from just underneath the power steering pump belt, where the rad hose connects to a steel pipe, which connects to the block (Hopefully with a gasket in between which is what I hope is leaking). Am I correct in assuming this is where the leak most likely is coming from? I've attached some pic’s from under the car. On the left side of the pic, is the power steering belt, the hose from the bottom left of the rad, and the thin pipe coming from the right is the heater core return I assume, and of course the block in the background.

You can see where the leak is, its right where the steele pipe connects to the block. You can even see the green coolant, around the bolt. I dont know where this is comming from, but hopefully its an easy fix.

Any thought?

sapper · Post by **sapper** » April 18th, 2005, 11:46 pm

little update:

I also noticed while going through my fuse box or relay box, or whatever it is (right next to the rad overflow reservoir) that the fuse / relay for my fan is not in there. Probably been like that since I bought it. I take it this is not supposed to be.

BuGS · Post by **BuGS** » April 19th, 2005, 12:05 am

What I personally would do is to Change the Water pump which means replaceing all those gaskets/1 O-ring right there and then get a new Lower radiator Hose and some new clamps. It looks like the hose is a little old by the way it bulges. But a new water pump with new gaskets it good if it hasn't been done in awhile anyways. Also don't worry about the fan relay and all. Just wire the fan up to a switch. That is what I am having to do. Two relays have shorted out now and I don't know why so I am just gonna do a switch.

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » April 19th, 2005, 12:14 am

I have also had to rig up a switch to the electric fan on my Subaru.. I have since found a useful aftermarket kit (usually sold with aftermarket performance electric fans) that include a sensor and all the wiring needed to install and use a temperature activated electric fan, completely independant of the cars own wiring harness. They arent very expensive either. You can buy the sensor switch kits seperately from the electric fans. Check your local performance / hot rod shop for one.

As for your your cooling system.. I agree 100% with Bugs.. time for a ounce of prevention as the case deems.. new hoses.. new water pump.. hose clamps & o-rings as needed. If you do it all in one shot.. you know it will be trouble free for a long time.

Tunes67

mitmaks · Post by **mitmaks** » April 19th, 2005, 12:21 am

its your water pump

Gro Harlem · Post by **Gro Harlem** » April 19th, 2005, 8:18 am

its not ur water pump its the gasket.

Those gaskets are crap anyways, but easy to replace. When you replace it, buy a new gasket & put some gasket maker on both sides of the gasket & reinstall.

It'll be a PITA to replace b/c of how tight that area is w/the a/c and ps stuff but you can get a open-end wrench on those bolts & slowly turn them off over time.

Make sure you clean up and dry off the mating areas before you put all this stuff on. Drain the block & let it dry awhile before installing that stuff.