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Oil or coolant leaking

Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
Roy was so awesome I came back for more help on another issue lol. I have a leak that I think is coming from either the oil pump area on the front of the engine or from the back side of the water pump. It seems to be dripping onto the right side of the catalytic converter below the front manifold. Pictures show it better but looks as if it travels across behind manifold and ends up smoking when it hits catalytic converter. I tried to take a better look but didn't want to take off the dipstick to pull heat shield off at 8:00 pm. It is definitely wet in there all the way across front of engine. But I can't see where it is coming from. No noticeable leaks and it is only after driving it 10 minutes or so that it seems to do it. I had it running in drive for 15-20 minutes today looking at it and it never started smoking. Thanks in advance for any help.
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Sunday, October 13th, 2019 AT 8:17 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Have you noticed if the engine coolant is low? Based on the pictures, it appears to be coming from the water pump. Interestingly, after about 10 minutes, the cooling system pressurizes and that is when it would be most likely to leak. It's hard for me to see in the pictures, but can you tell if it is motor oil or could it be coolant?

Do me a favor. Here is a link that explains how to pressure test the cooling system. You will need a pressure tester but most parts stores will lend/rent one to you. This test is done on a cold engine. If the leak is the water pump or a hose, you should be able to locate it.

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

Try that and let me know. If you are confident it is not coolant, let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, October 13th, 2019 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Could be coolant I couldn't tell for sure with both fluids pretty new. Coolant was low a few days ago but I figured I didn't get it all the way full or had air. With all I have done to it the last month it is mostly new, lol. I thought it might be the pump as well but it seems dry on pulley side and at the seal. Will it leak out of back side of housing? Really wet in and around those three areas on back of housing. Both my fluids are about same color amber so hard to tell. Thanks.
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

It could be. The gasket on the water pump may have failed or there could even be a hose leaking (heater hose). I attached an exploded view of the water pump so you could see the gasket and how everything is positioned.

Also, there is a weep hole on the water pump. It can leak from there if the seal or bearing is going bad in the pump. It's a small (approximately 1/4") opening near where the shaft enters the pump housing. Actually, it is on the housing itself.

Honestly, I would pressure test it. I feel it would help locate the issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I couldn't find anywhere that had a pressure tester available at the moment so I just ordered a pump and I will change it out and see if that is the issue. The pump was only $35.00. It is on the original pump at over 100,000 so not a big deal, probably will need one soon anyway. I will keep checking for a tester and let you know. Thanks for the help so far!
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

I don't know if you want them, but here are the directions for replacing the pump on your vehicle. The two attached pictures correlate with the directions.

____________________________

2013 Chevrolet Cruze L4-1.8L
Water Pump Replacement
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Water Pump Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Water Pump Replacement
WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT
Water Pump Replacement (1.8L LUW and LWE)

Removal Procedure

1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) See: Cooling System > Procedures > Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE-47716 Fill) See: Cooling System > Procedures > Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE-47716 Fill).

2. Remove the water pump pulley. Refer to Water Pump Pulley Replacement (1.8L LUW and LWE) See: Drive Pulley, Water Pump > Removal and Replacement > Water Pump Pulley ReplacementWater Pump Pulley Replacement (1.4L LUV) See: Drive Pulley, Water Pump > Removal and Replacement > Water Pump Pulley Replacement.

Pic 1

3. Remove the 5 water pump bolts (2).

4. Remove the water pump (1).

5. Remove and DISCARD the water pump seal ring.

Installation Procedure

1. Clean the 5 water pump threads.

2. Clean the water pump sealing surface.

3. Insert a NEW water pump seal ring.

Pic 2

4. Install the water pump (1).

Caution:
Refer to Fastener Caution See: Vehicle > Technician Safety Information > Fastener Caution.

5. Install the 5 water pump bolts (2) and tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb in).

6. Install the water pump pulley. Refer to Water Pump Pulley Replacement (1.8L LUW and LWE) See: Drive Pulley, Water Pump > Removal and Replacement > Water Pump Pulley ReplacementWater Pump Pulley Replacement (1.4L LUV) See: Drive Pulley, Water Pump > Removal and Replacement > Water Pump Pulley Replacement.

7. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) See: Cooling System > Procedures > Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE-47716 Fill) See: Cooling System > Procedures > Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE-47716 Fill).

________________________________

Let me know if this helps and what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay, changed water pump today and slow leak remains. Not a big deal would have had to replace it sooner than later anyway. Leaning towards a leak in the oil cooler or maybe the cooler pipe that runs behind manifold from thermostat housing water pump. Either way I will have to take off the heat shield and front manifold to get a better look at it. Any other possibilities you can think of? I can't seem to find a loaner pressure tester still. They all say their rented out or broken. They are pricey so I will just go this route for the time being. May not be able to mess with it this week until Sunday again. Just keeping you posted and seeing what other things it may be. Thanks.
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Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

Without a pressure gauge, the only way you'll find it is by what you suggested. Hopefully, there will be evidence where it is coming from.

Let me know what is found or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay, have a question. I took off everything and changed out the oil cooler (inner seals and all). Rock auto says there is an inner seal and outer seal for the outlet pipe. I cant find if that is correct. My online diy manual doesn't list the gasket parts separately or say anything beyond change 2 o-rings. Which I would assume are on both ends of the pipe. Its still leaking so I just want to get the right o-rings and put it back together correctly so it doesn't leak. :/ If there is an inner seal does that go in the oil cooler itself before the outlet pipe? And a second one on the outlet pipe itself? I am so confused. Lol
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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 5:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

I attached a picture of the cooler assembly. I circled one pipe that I believe you are referring to. If I ac correct, there is an o-ring at both ends. The second pic shows the outlet pipe and again, there is one at both ends.

If I got the wrong part, let me know which one is of concern in the pic.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
The one on the right is the pipe. Both ends have have an o-ring but it seems it supposed to have an inner seal on that pipe. I can order it I just don't know where it goes exactly. Inside the cooler, then insert pipe with the o-ring?
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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I didn't see an inner seal on original, but could have degraded I guess.
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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

By any chance, do you have a picture of what they are recommending that you could upload?

Joe
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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Fel pro 36121 and 71346. One says inner other says outer.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 4:53 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
If I recall, there is one on each side. When you remove it, was there two on one side? That doesn't sound right to me. Also, make sure the o-ring didn't come off and is lodged where it mounts or has fallen.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
LANCE GAGNE
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
No was only one on each side when I took it off. Thats why I wasnt sure if there was supposed to be an inner one in there. I guess I just need to make sure the orings are thick enough to seal it. Any sealants or tips to make sure I dont have to do it again lol?
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Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

As far as the seals, and don't laugh, I always use vasoline to lubricate the o-rings before installing them. That helps prevent damage to them. And one seal on each side should seal things for you. That's the only way I remember them.

Let me know how things work out for you. If you need anything, let me know that too. LOL

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 AT 6:40 PM

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