finding an "invisible" coolant leak

[john112deere]

Anybody got any tips?

This is my Escort. Loses somewhere in the neighborhood of 1 quart a month. No drips on the ground, oil looks clean and tailpipe does not steam. Smells of coolant under hood when hot.

Can't see any signs of leakage under the hood, though.

Seems I've read about shops using a dye that lights up under a blacklight or something...doesn't really sound like something feasible for a home mechanic, though.

Any other ideas?

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Do you have any aux coolant lines that run up on the top end of the motor near the throttle body or anything? If it's high-up, the leakage could drip onto an exhaust manifold and evaporate your coolant before it ever hits the ground or pool up in an intake manifold.

Ryan

 

[john112deere]

Don't think so... I'll double check tomorrow, though.

 

[polarbear]

Do you have any aux coolant lines that run up on the top end of the motor near the throttle body or anything? If it's high-up, the leakage could drip onto an exhaust manifold and evaporate your coolant before it ever hits the ground or pool up in an intake manifold.

Ryan

Yep- and the fittings by the heater core are the most likely spot for this to happen, IMO.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Don't forget your surgical tools trying to get under there, Ian.

I didn't even think about the heater core area! Good thought.

Ryan

 

[radialarm]

If you can smell it, there's a leak!!! I used one of those LED mini lights with a UV/ Blacklight LED and the dye to find a freon leak!!!

 

[TexasNomad]

Could it be leaking out of the over flow line and your not seeing it because its while your driving??

 

[LEB Ben]

Slight head gasket leak?

 

[john112deere]

Could it be leaking out of the over flow line and your not seeing it because its while your driving??

I doubt it...I've never seen the overflow tank close to full, hot or cold.

Slight head gasket leak?

Possible, but with the smell I'm still leaning toward an external leak.

 

[bowtiehatr]

pull the plastic cover off behind the front engine mount. the water pump is behind this cover and the water pump could be your source of the leak

 

[bowtiehatr]

double post

 

[bigdaddyII]

X2 on water pump suggestion. Could be leaking and burning off as you drive.

 

[radialarm]

One thing for sure if it's leaking into the exhaust is it will eventually plug the Cat!!!

 

[LEB Ben]

X2 on water pump suggestion. Could be leaking and burning off as you drive.

That's what I'm thinking with the head gasket.

 

[bigdaddyII]

Even if it is a head gasket leak, on this car it is no big deal. $100, a Saturday, and a 12 pack will fix it up good as new.

 

[Blue Goose]

Ya think a 12 pack would do it?

 

[smokey]

Maybe even a six pack the head is easy to get to on these cars.

 

[bigdaddyII]

Ya think a 12 pack would do it?

Only because you cant drink until you have the head off and returned from the machine shop with it.
Six beers while putting it back together, and six beers to pat yourself on the back.

 

[john112deere]

Well...finally found a wet spot under the hood tonight.

Haven't figured out where it's coming from yet, but that shouldn't be so hard now that I know where to look.

*Turns out the trick was to get under there at night with a really bright light. Could see it reflecting off the tiny little puddle.

(I'm kinda sorry I found it, though. I wanted me a new Ranger, and thought this would be a good way to justify it. )

 

[bigdaddyII]

Just pretend like you havent found it. Maybe even pour a gallon of coolant in the oil to speed things along. Than you cant justify your new Ranger and no one will be the wiser.

The only thing I will want for my advice is a pic of you with an ear to arse grin standing near your new truck.