Green sludge (antifreeze/coolant) possible leak

JGONZO2398

MEMBER
2002 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

So I was looking under my car today and noticed a green slime-ish looking substance running down the frame of the car, it is close to the CV axle on the passenger side. I do not know if this is coolant leaking, but I have not had any leaks or wet spots under the car when I leave it parked. I do not know where the leak is coming from, I tried to get a good shot from above the leak but did not do the best job. Any guesses?

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1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

My first suspect is the water pump. However, take a look through these links. They explain how to locate the leak. Also, take your hand and touch the bottoms of the radiator hoses to see if they are wet. It could be a hose.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

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

The next thing, if you can't locate it is to pressurize the system. You will need a special tool to do this, but most parts stores will lend it to you.

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

If there is any way you could video looking up toward the leak, it will be helpful for me. I do see the coolant you are referring to, so there is a leak.

If you find it is the water pump, here are the directions for replacement. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

____________________________________

WATER PUMP - 3.0L (4V)

Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Drain the cooling system.

3. Remove the splash shield.

Picture 1

4. Disconnect the heater water hose from the bottom of the water pump.

Picture 2

5. Remove the radiator lower tube bolt.

6. Lower the vehicle.

7. Remove the air cleaner assembly.

8. Remove the battery and battery tray.

9. Remove the water pump belt.

Picture 3

10. Remove the radiator upper front tube bolt.

Picture 4

11. Disconnect the upper radiator hose and engine vent hose.

Picture 5

12. Disconnect the transmission 10-pin connector.

Picture 6

13. Remove the radiator bypass hose assembly.

Picture 7

14. Disconnect the thermostat housing and position aside.

Picture 8

15. Remove the three bolts, and detach the water pump.

Picture 9

16. Disconnect the connector hose, and remove the water pump.

Installation

1. Connect the connector hose to the water pump.

Picture 10

2. Position the water pump and install the mounting bolts.
- Tighten the bolts in two stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
- Stage 2: Tighten an additional 90°.

Picture 11

3. Connect the thermostat housing to the water pump hose.

Picture 12

4. Install the radiator bypass hose assembly.

Picture 13

5. Connect the transmission 10-pin connector.

Picture 14

6. Connect the upper radiator hose and engine vent hose.

Picture 15

7. Install the radiator upper front cooling tube bolt.

Picture 16

8. Install the water pump belt.

9. Install the battery and battery tray.

10. Install the air cleaner assembly.

11. Raise and support the vehicle.

Picture 17

12. Install the lower cooling tube bolt.

Picture 18

13. Connect the heater water hose to the bottom of the water pump.

14. Install the splash shield.

15. Fill the engine cooling system.

_________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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