static coolant leak
#1
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95 Bonny SE
I noticed a coolant leak today. The car was parked for over 8 hours and I can still see it leaking. Its around the pass side front wheel. The water pump was changed about 2 months ago and it was'nt leaking till today. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help
I noticed a coolant leak today. The car was parked for over 8 hours and I can still see it leaking. Its around the pass side front wheel. The water pump was changed about 2 months ago and it was'nt leaking till today. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help
#2
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If the water pump is not the source, check the coolant elbow. I'll go digging for a picture for you. Follow the red arrow backwards to the engine. The elbow is the black plastic piece with an o-ring seal on each end connecting the tensioner assembly to the LIM. There is also an o-ring that seals the tensioner assembly to a water passage on the front cover. You can see the joint by following the yellow arrow towards the engine. Other possibilities include the heater hoses and the lower radiator hose.
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#4
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Dorman markets them in the "Help" line. Most parts houses carry them. You may have to buy a pack with two that includes a new plastic elbow for 99+ - it has a short arm and a long arm and replaces the cast in aluminum elbow that is part of the tensioner assembly on the 95-98s. But both should only cost about $7. If it is the elbow, you can replace it by removing the tensioner assembly. There are some other o-rings in this area that can start to leak once you disturb them, by moving the tensioner assembly. You should be able to get all the o-rings at the GM dealer for not too much $. Two are located on the ends of the metal elbows for the heater hoses where they plug into the tensioner assembly. One is located on the cast-in metal elbow for the tensioner. The plastic "Help" elbow will come with o-rings.
If you do find it is a leaking o-ring, when you have the mating pieces apart, clean them up and check the place where the o-ring seals to make sure there are no pits or surface defects that will prevent the new ring from sealing. It is a good idea to clean up those surfaces with a toothbrush size wire brush followed by steel wool. Some silicone grease will help the new o-ring slip into place without harming the sealing material.
If you do find it is a leaking o-ring, when you have the mating pieces apart, clean them up and check the place where the o-ring seals to make sure there are no pits or surface defects that will prevent the new ring from sealing. It is a good idea to clean up those surfaces with a toothbrush size wire brush followed by steel wool. Some silicone grease will help the new o-ring slip into place without harming the sealing material.
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