Car does not leak coolant while the car is off?

DSCHWINDT

MEMBER
2006 BUICK LUCERNE
4.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
118,000 MILES

As far as I can tell, my car does not leak coolant while the car is off, but once I turn it on it begins to leak coolant. It seems to only leak when the reservoir is filled and leaks until the reservoir is empty. I say this because the car does not overheat, so I assume there is still some coolant in the system. The leak is coming from beneath the car close to the oil filter. I have attached a video of the location of the leak. Can you help me fix this leak? I am not sure exactly what needs to be replaced/repaired.

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3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

I can't see the leak in the video, sorry. Can you look at the video you uploaded to confirm? It sounds like the water pump is leaking, here is the location of the pump so you can confirm this is where the coolant is coming from. also, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 10:58 AM

DSCHWINDT

MEMBER
24 POSTS

So, it’s interesting though, because the link you sent says that both types of coolant leaks will cause the engine to overheat. I’ve driven the car as much as 35 minutes in one stretch and the temp never exceeds half on the gauge.

Also, I can see the leak in the video, but it is just a slow drip, so it may be difficult to see the drops of coolant. However, it is clearly leaking from right above the oil filter. Do you know what type of leak would be in that area? Is there a freeze plug in that vicinity?

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Saturday, December 7th, 2024 AT 9:10 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It depends on how low the coolant gets if the engine will overheat or not. It could be the head gasket leaking externally, I would raise the car up and use a flashlight and an extendable mirror on the stick to pinpoint the leak, I don't see a freeze plug on the block near the oil filter adapter. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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