static coolant leak
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static coolant leak
95 Bonny SE
I noticed a coolant leak today. The car was parked for over 8 hours and I can still see it leaking. Its around the pass side front wheel. The water pump was changed about 2 months ago and it was'nt leaking till today. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help
I noticed a coolant leak today. The car was parked for over 8 hours and I can still see it leaking. Its around the pass side front wheel. The water pump was changed about 2 months ago and it was'nt leaking till today. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,066
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From: Ames, Iowa
If the water pump is not the source, check the coolant elbow. I'll go digging for a picture for you. Follow the red arrow backwards to the engine. The elbow is the black plastic piece with an o-ring seal on each end connecting the tensioner assembly to the LIM. There is also an o-ring that seals the tensioner assembly to a water passage on the front cover. You can see the joint by following the yellow arrow towards the engine. Other possibilities include the heater hoses and the lower radiator hose.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 10
From: Ames, Iowa
Dorman markets them in the "Help" line. Most parts houses carry them. You may have to buy a pack with two that includes a new plastic elbow for 99+ - it has a short arm and a long arm and replaces the cast in aluminum elbow that is part of the tensioner assembly on the 95-98s. But both should only cost about $7. If it is the elbow, you can replace it by removing the tensioner assembly. There are some other o-rings in this area that can start to leak once you disturb them, by moving the tensioner assembly. You should be able to get all the o-rings at the GM dealer for not too much $. Two are located on the ends of the metal elbows for the heater hoses where they plug into the tensioner assembly. One is located on the cast-in metal elbow for the tensioner. The plastic "Help" elbow will come with o-rings.
If you do find it is a leaking o-ring, when you have the mating pieces apart, clean them up and check the place where the o-ring seals to make sure there are no pits or surface defects that will prevent the new ring from sealing. It is a good idea to clean up those surfaces with a toothbrush size wire brush followed by steel wool. Some silicone grease will help the new o-ring slip into place without harming the sealing material.
If you do find it is a leaking o-ring, when you have the mating pieces apart, clean them up and check the place where the o-ring seals to make sure there are no pits or surface defects that will prevent the new ring from sealing. It is a good idea to clean up those surfaces with a toothbrush size wire brush followed by steel wool. Some silicone grease will help the new o-ring slip into place without harming the sealing material.
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