COOLANT LEAK

UTCRAZYACE

MEMBER
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

1997 chevy monte carlo 137,198 3.1 liter the problem im having is that recently I have developed a big time leak I have tracked down the source of the leak from what I can see and it seems to be coming from the back part of the engine under where the thermosat sits[ I think] I can see water marks running down from under that area MY QUESTION is what all is down there in that area that could be causing this much of a leak? Approx.1/2 to a gallon a day Theres no water in the oil so not a blown head gasket [right] and should I only use the orange coolent cause, I heard that any other coolent will ruin the gaskets? Any input would be greatly appericated thanx bill

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

A small leak under pressure can spew out a lot of coolant. Use mirrors and light is you have to to be sure of what is leaking. Another technique is to use a digital camera to take pics of where it is hard to see.

This may be an intake gasket leak, and why it is critical you identify the leak. If you can't do this when it's hot, you may need to find a pressure tester to get some pressure on the system to find it. However if you can do this when it is at operating temperature, you should be able to find where the coolant is coming out.

I would stay with Dex-cool. Coolant does not eat gaskets. Poor design lead to the intake gasket leak problems that GM has. Dex-cool is what came with it, and would keep it that way myself.