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1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I have had most of the little leaks like you describe . The v6 is a fine motor , just has it's own issues that the 2.3 doesn't share . Does your car have an auxiliary heater pump on the firewall to the left of the heater bypass valve ? They can leak . Mine doesn't work or leak .
The oil cooler lid in the "valley" of the engine can leak . Look way down to the thermostat , if you can see or probe with a extended swab or something to find renegade coolant . The thermostat can be loose or the gasket has failed . The O-ring for the thermostat is thinner than Cappelini or Angel Hair Pasta . { that's small ...}
I had a problem with the "Coolant Brige" which is more towards the throttle body , where the hoses are banjo fitted to the aluminum port/bridge between the heads . If the crush washers are used instead of the special rubber centered ones , a leak can weep here and leave little evidence .
The turbo has a coolant line running through it , and here again are banjo fittings that have a top/bottom crush sealing washer . The leak will leave behind a residue , usually white crust , or dark green if you use the blue coolant .
Another dandy hose of limited size is that little one by the dipstick , which comes out of the thermostat outlet tube , then bends to connect to the hard pipe going down to the turbo . It is held on by tiny spring clamps , and leaking here is really common . This little 2 inch hose can knock out the entire system if it isn't sealed .
Oh yeah , the Thermostat Outlet Tube has two O-rings that deteriorate . I always use plenty of petroleum jelly on them when replacing .
The radiators often leak , tough to find evidence . There is also a real stupid 4 inch rubber hose that is right below the Coolant Bridge that gets deformed after the years . Again , real tough to spot .
Like a dentist telling a patient so eat rock candy to find the cavities , I would suggest a new radiator cap . The system must be pressurized , and the cap is the only way to maintain correct pressure . If you have a true leak , then the cap will not keep pressure ...the leak should release the steam/coolant .
But the case is often that the leaks are tiny , and often "go away" when the engine warms up .
Pressure test the entire system overnight , letting it cool down . Be careful when the engine is hot ! Good Luck !
posted by 24.18.20...
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