Car does not leak coolant while the car is off?

Tiny
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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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 7:06 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,363 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

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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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 10:58 AM
Tiny
DSCHWINDT
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  • 30 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
Tiny
KEN L
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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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Saturday, December 7th, 2024 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
DSCHWINDT
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  • 30 POSTS
Let me know if you can see the leak in this video, and if you may know the source.
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Monday, December 23rd, 2024 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
DSCHWINDT
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  • 30 POSTS
Here are a couple photos. Hopefully they help.
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Monday, December 23rd, 2024 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the video and images. It looks like the front coolant crossover tube/gaskets/water pump is what is leaking you will need to disable the engine front and then use a pressure tester to help pin point to the leak. Please check out the images below to see what I am talking about. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
DSCHWINDT
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Okay. What does disabling the engine front entail? Also, I have been underneath the car while it is leaking and I can't pinpoint the exact location. Would you check from above or beneath the vehicle to find the exact location during a pressure test?
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Friday, December 27th, 2024 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
DSCHWINDT
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Also, I can’t find a pressure tester at a reasonable price. Is there a cheap way to run a pressure test?
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Friday, December 27th, 2024 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have used a mirror on the stick to help locate leaks. You can rent a pressure tester from the auto parts store for cheap or free. To disassemble the engine front start with the serpentine belt and disconnect the battery. You may need to use a jack under the engine to support it while you remove the front engine mount.
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Friday, December 27th, 2024 AT 10:54 AM

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