Radiator Coolant Leak

Tiny
JAYNIE N
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,541 MILES
I have a radiator coolant leak that comes out the muffler. What could be the problem?
Friday, July 28th, 2017 AT 8:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,874 POSTS
Leaking cylinder head gasket.

Before you get too excited, we need to be sure it's actually engine coolant that is dripping. One of the byproducts of a properly-working exhaust system is water vapor. Usually that is seen dripping from the tail pipe, but mufflers often have drain holes for that purpose too.

If the puddle you see is clear liquid, you're seeing water, and that is normal and acceptable. If coolant is leaking through a cylinder head gasket, the puddle will be red unless someone switched from the miserable "Dex-Cool to a better antifreeze which is usually green. The additional clue is the level in the coolant reservoir will be going low and need to be refilled often.
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Friday, July 28th, 2017 AT 9:50 PM

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