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radiator leak?

bigpeps52
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bigpeps52 Member

bigpeps52

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I have 1999 996 cab and twice in the last week the temp gauge light was blinking slowly so I added water to the overflow tank. The light went away but I was definitely smelling something. Today the light went back on. I cannot see any leaks on the floor of my garage but the overflow tank is definitely low and I can smell it when the engine gets hot. Now what. Can I get to these hoses or can only a pro check this out. It must be leaking when I am driving not when the car is standing.

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Loren Member

Loren

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Most likely causes are coolant tank leak, or water pump leak. Your car is 11 years old so best to have a look at the hoses too.

You do however want to look at your oil - if it looks like chocolate milk then stop driving it and get professional help.

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bigpeps52 Member

bigpeps52

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If the water pump was leaking would I see the leak when the engine is running?

The oil looks nice and clear it was recently changed. The smell seems to be coming from the side where the overflow reservoir is. If it was the water pump wouldn't I be able to spot a leak?

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goldenwarrior1 Member

goldenwarrior1

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Not if it was a slow seep but it will leave telltale signs if it has leaked at all. Look up under the car at the bottom of the water pump and see if it is wet or has a white looking stain or residue. If so, then at some point your water pump has leaked. I have seen them start and stop for some time before they actually fail. From what you describe, I would take Loren's advice and check your coolant tank. And, with the age of your car I would recommend replacing the water pump and any weak looking/feeling hoses while you have the system drained. I am a staunch advocate of preventive maintenance!!!

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bigpeps52 Member

bigpeps52

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Not if it was a slow seep but it will leave telltale signs if it has leaked at all. Look up under the car at the bottom of the water pump and see if it is wet or has a white looking stain or residue. If so, then at some point your water pump has leaked. I have seen them start and stop for some time before they actually fail. From what you describe, I would take Loren's advice and check your coolant tank. And, with the age of your car I would recommend replacing the water pump and any weak looking/feeling hoses while you have the system drained. I am a staunch advocate of preventive maintenance!!!

Makes sense. Is this a big job or is it easy to get at the pump and hoses?

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bigpeps52 Member

bigpeps52

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I topped off the resrvoir with 50/50 last week and drove the car a couple of hundred miles this weekend and the overflow tank perfect. I didn't lose any antifreeze yet. So i guess this is good. Now i check it everytime I get in the car. Is evaporation normal? Maybe this happens at high revs?

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bigpeps52 Member

bigpeps52

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Replace the coolant tank pressure cap with the latest update to start with, if you cant find a leak.

Funny you should say that. I took the old cap off took in my house and scrubbed all the sediment off of the inside. Maybe that helped.I will get another cap anyway it couldn't hurt. :thankyou:

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