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Coolant Leak...
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 8:22 am
by eastbaysubaru
So, I've got a coolant leak somewhere. It appears to be near the front left side of the engine compartment. It's a very slow leak which usually ends up draining all of the coolant out of the white-ish container near the radiator in addition to a small amount in the tank with the actual radiator cap on it.
What I'm looking for is a way to find out for sure where it's coming from. My mechanic friend says there's a pressure tester you can get that replaces the radiator cap (temporarily). Has anyone had any experience with one of these? If so, is there a place to purchase such a device? I'd really like to get this cleared up sometime soon so any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
-Brian
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 4:34 pm
by entirelyturbo
You know what's funny? I flushed my radiator about 5 months ago, put some new coolant in it, and checked it again in about 2 months... Reservoir was empty. Filled it back up, checked it again in about 2 weeks, low, put some more in. Came back, low again, overfilled it so I could have some time to plan to change some hoses....
My coolant level hasn't changed since the overfill!
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 6:48 pm
by eastbaysubaru
I know I've got a leak though. When I stuck my head under the car while doing an oil change, I saw some coolant on top of one of the plastic undercarriage thingies. I'm more curious about the pressure tester thing though. Has anyone used one before?
-Brian
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 6:55 pm
by JasonGrahn
There are a couple of ways to do that...
1, is the pressure tester mentioned earlier. If the leak is in your head (ie: leaking into your cylinder) then you won't see it, you'll just hear it.
2, is a dye that you can add to your radiator fluid. with a UV light you'll be able to see the leaking area. With this method, you won't be able to see the leak if it IS in the head.
-Jason
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 7:35 pm
by ciper
My guess is a hairline crack in the end tanks. It probably only leaks under high pressure, otherwise you cant see it. The legacy I bought for my mom did this right before I gave it to her.
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 10:13 pm
by eastbaysubaru
hmmm...interesting suggestions Jason. I'll be looking into it this weekend along with a bunch of other car related projects. I'm hoping it's not the endtanks, but if it is, will the whole radiator need replacing?
-Brian
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 10:58 pm
by JasonGrahn
Better preventive maintence then reactive maintence. I say replace the radiator if it's leaking.
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2003 11:30 pm
by eastbaysubaru
How much do radiators go for and from where?
-Brian
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2003 12:16 am
by ciper
You can get an aftermarket one for the NA from a local place for about 120 total.
They are actually a wherehouse for
www.radiator.com I didnt pay shipping because I picked it up.