Leaking coolant on the passenger side of the car?

1997 MERCURY COUGAR
180,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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MELISA JIMENEZ
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  • 2 POSTS
There is a coolant leak in the passenger side of the car. I replaced the radiator, thermostat, and water pump. It is still leaking in the same spot. Help!
Jul 13, 2022 at 9:43 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it is leaking coolant in the vehicle, the heater core is likely the cause. It is located under the dash on the passenger side.

First, look under the dash at the HVAC box. See pic 1. The heater core is located in the heater box. There are two hoses that will attach to it from under the hood at the firewall. Make sure they aren't leaking. If the bottom of the heater box is wet, the core is my first suspect.

To get you started, here is a link that explains in general how one is replaced. You can use this to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

Let me know if that is where it is coming from. If it is, I will provide the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. However, it will require the removal of the instrument cluster, and the AC will need evacuated and then recharged when you are finished.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Jul 13, 2022 at 11:14 PM
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MELISA JIMENEZ
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The leak is on the outside.
Jul 13, 2022 at 11:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked the heater hoses where they connect to the core? If you open the hood, they will be behind the engine at the firewall.

If there is no visible leak, you may need to pressure test it. It's not hard to do but does require a pressure tester. However, 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.

Joe
Jul 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM