Coolant leaking under the motor?

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
174,972 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CODY CAMPBELL2
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  • 10 POSTS
I was driving to work and noticed the low coolant light came on. I looked under my car after I got to work, and a small puddle of coolant was below the engine area. No hoses looked to be off, and I drove it home after that with no issues, so I don't think it was a blown head gasket. Where do you think it could be coming from? I looked under the radiator and there was nothing there either? I have some photos as well.
Sep 29, 2022 at 4:16 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

It could be a few things. Where under the engine did you see the puddle? For example, is it the front, rear, side, and so on? If you are certain there are no hoses leaking and the radiator isn't, it could be a water pump, one of the heater hoses between the engine and firewall, a head gasket leaking outward, an expansion plug, and the list goes on.

As far as locating the leak is concerned, here is a link you may find helpful:

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

If you are unable to locate the leak using the aforementioned link, then you should pressure test it. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know if that helps. Also, for some reason, the pics didn't download for you. If possible, could you try that again?

Let me know.

Joe
Sep 29, 2022 at 7:36 PM
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