Coolant leak!

**Joey0523** · 09-21-2014, 01:24 PM

My 98 z28 recently started pissing coolant everywhere so I checked all the hoses and they were fine. Then figured it could be my water pump so I bought a new one, installed it and it's still leaking coolant like crazy. Thoughts? Suggestions?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 09-21-2014, 08:23 PM

Did you replace your water pump gaskets when you replaced the pump? I would look around and see if you can find evidence of where it is leaking like dripping marks and the such. Depending on how bad it leaks you may be able to have it running and see where it is leaking from just by waiting and looking around.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-21-2014, 08:38 PM

Is it leaking from the front of the motor or further back? Check the radiator.

**RONS98TA** · 09-22-2014, 04:45 AM

I think you need to narrow it down to where the leak is. Front, back, what side? Could be a head gasket, radiator, or heater core.

**Joey0523** · 09-22-2014, 06:06 AM

Yes I replaced gaskets and used a silicone sealant to make sure there was no leaks from the pump. It's seems to be coming from the front of the engine but I haven't gotten a clear view of the source of the leak. I just figured it was the water pump because a mechanic at midas said his camaro had the same issue around 125xxx miles (which mine has 128)

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-22-2014, 06:38 AM

check the coolant bypass hoses and tubing that connects the 2 heads.

**Joey0523** · 09-22-2014, 07:59 AM

The hoses running from the water pump to the heating core?

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-22-2014, 08:14 AM

Well there you have it. Might be time to replace them. Are the hose clamps installed? You wouldn't be the first to forget them.

**Joey0523** · 09-22-2014, 08:25 AM

Yes clamps are installed. I was asking if those are the hoses you were talking about. Then one on the right looks like it has some residue on it, might be the source of the leak. Im gonna start it up and check now.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-22-2014, 08:54 AM

Oh, sorry no.

I was referring to the metal tube that connects the 2 heads together underneath the intake. It's a crossover tube that also has a hose that normally leads to the underside of the throttle body and then on to the radiator. It has O rings that can leak or the hose goes bad and leaks too.

**Joey0523** · 09-22-2014, 09:11 AM

Well its not the heating core hoses, but the leak is defiantly coming from the left side somewhere.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-22-2014, 09:58 AM

Can you tell front or back?

**Joey0523** · 09-22-2014, 10:13 AM

No I can't tell.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-22-2014, 11:57 AM

Make sure the radiator is filled up and lift it up on stands then start it. You should be able to tell.

Wonder if a freeze plug has popped.

**RONS98TA** · 09-23-2014, 03:32 AM

You might have to pull the pass side front wheel. Remove the inner fender liner, and check the black coolant over flow bottle. It is also the battery hold down. Its plastic and maybe has a crack in it. If no leaks are found on the coolant bottle, then you should be able to go to any local parts store and borrow a pressure tester. (You leave them a deposit for the tool. Get a full deposit return when you take it back.) Use the pressure tester to pump up the cooling system and check for leaks.

**Joey0523** · 09-23-2014, 06:33 AM

Will do. Thanks guys you all have been a huge help so far. I just hope it isn't my head gasket or freeze plugs.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-23-2014, 01:06 PM

Honestly, it sounds like something simple to me. Simple as in not costly to fix.

**Joey0523** · 09-24-2014, 06:20 AM

I went to check my coolant over flow bottle for cracks and while pulling the battery out the radiator level sensor fell and coolant started leaking everywhere. I look at the sensor and it is broken and cracked at the tip so I'm gonna replace that today or tomorrow hopefully that will fix the leak.

**RONS98TA** · 09-25-2014, 03:56 AM

Sometimes getting unlucky by knocking out the sensor, you get lucky at finding your leak! Those stupid sensors fail all the time also. It will say your low on coolant when you're not. Hopefully that was your issue. Fairly cheap and easy fix.

**Joey0523** · 09-26-2014, 06:54 AM

Unfortunately that was not the source of the leak but I did find where the leak was coming from. It's coming from the inlet and outlet hoses coming off my water pump. I went the chevy and they're charging 200 for the part you guys know where I can get it a bit cheaper? I checked rockauto.com they don't have it, I checked autozone and o'Reilly and they don't have it. I even looked on Craigslist for people who were selling parts off their camaro and couldn't find anything.