Mystery coolant leak.

**TWO-TONS-OF-FUN** · 12-21-2006, 12:37 PM

I have a coolant leak from off the front of the k member. i checked around heads,waterpump and housing, intake crossover tubes, radiator tanks and core, hoses, heater hooses and it seems to be coming from the steering rack, it is coolant not ps fluid. i traced the lines coming off the rack to a alluminum pipe in line with the upper rad hose. could this (cooler????) mabe have an internal leak and it is leaking to the rack thru the lines. the ps fluid resivour is not pressurized and not blowing fluid out so im thouroughly confused. please help.

**autotrix** · 12-21-2006, 03:04 PM

Check all your fluid levels and conditions for signs of foreign substance

**TWO-TONS-OF-FUN** · 12-21-2006, 03:29 PM

i did this already, i changed oil, was purfectly fine. trans fluid is burnt (thats another story) and in the process of being pulled. ps fluid is clear and clean. coolant is orange and low.

**2001NBMZ28** · 12-21-2006, 03:33 PM

If it's really hard to find bring it to a shop and have them put dye in the system, then they can check it with a special light to illuminate any leaks.

**0rion** · 12-21-2006, 07:51 PM

My money is on the weep hole in the pump itself. Check all around that pump really well and see if it's wet. I *think* the weephole is on the passenger side rear of the pump but it's been a long time since I did mine.

**02z28ls1** · 12-21-2006, 07:59 PM

Yes that's a pwr steering cooler. Look for a leak from one of those lines or clamps. Clean everything off with brake clean and dry. Let it fully warm up and shut it off and watch carefully-you should be able to see it.

**TWO-TONS-OF-FUN** · 12-22-2006, 09:51 AM

not the weap hole, i checked that area really good before i checked anywhere else, ill clean the thing up today and check the lines for the cooler. to clean the hole engine bay should i just use some simple green and a hose,low pressure and not let it puddle on the intake????

id rather not take it to a shop, too many butchers now a days, plus im more than capable of fixing it myself. my buddy has a uv light and dye he said i could use if i need to.

**YoMommasTA** · 12-22-2006, 03:21 PM

<gazes into crystal ball>i can see it,its the

WATER PUMP GASKETS REPLACE UM!!!!!

trust me on this,when the engine is cold start it up and look under the car carefully at the gaskets.

**billsblackbird** · 12-22-2006, 04:18 PM

after your engine heats up wiggle your radiator hoses back and forth, I had the same symptoms before on my 94 and the hose was cracked. only leaked intermittently, or when I put pressure on the hose.

**DaddySS** · 12-24-2006, 02:48 AM

Best place to start is to clean it up well, then check carefully. Coolant leaks are some times hard to find because the fans and driving plow the coolant around so where you see it is not necessarily where it came from. I had the draincock leak slightly, blew back to the k member and dripped off the back under the engine.

Check the PS reservoir, if the ps fluid is clear and the coolant is clear it is not a problem with the cooler.

**Sarge** · 12-24-2006, 05:32 AM

I bought a coolant system pressure checker with gauge for like $35 bucks at NAPA a few years ago.....Hand pump like Zboners sex toys....pump that sum biatch up to like 35lbs and it sho helps finding them leaks....

**02z28ls1** · 12-24-2006, 06:04 AM

Agreed - a pressure checker is the shit for finding leaks. Most hobbyist and even alot of pros don't have one (we rely on the shops to have them, we're cheap bastards as a rule). I was just thinking that NAPA job might be just the thing for a X-Mas present to myself!

**Transam 98** · 12-24-2006, 09:39 AM

mine started to do the same thing. come to find out it is the pump. :-( but i'm looking for a used meisner (sp?) electric one

**02z28ls1** · 12-24-2006, 12:27 PM

I'm looking in my crystal ball and I'm seeing Yomomma telling Transam 98 -'it's not the water pump-it's the gasket'.........

**YoMommasTA** · 12-24-2006, 12:32 PM

i've never seen a bad pump yet...always those gaskets.I'll bet ALOT of pump get changed because of them gaskets and its always the same story.....leaks cold then stops can't find the leak.

**99'CajunFirehawk157** · 12-31-2007, 09:59 PM

Is it a water pump bolt torque issue or just gasket failure? I am starting to smell coolant too.

**Bugaboo** · 01-01-2008, 01:02 PM

Some things are easier to find if you can get it on an alignment rack.... I have a nice scenario with a Goodyear Tech and GM techs that work for some great places. Pull on in darn near anytime.

**Tonik** · 01-01-2008, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bugaboo

all things are easier to find if you can get it on an alignment rack.... I have a nice scenario with a Goodyear Tech and GM techs that work for some great places. Pull on in darn near anytime.

fixed.