LET'S PLAY: diagnose my coolant leak!

Vrbovsky · 07-07-2011, 06:55 AM

So I've got a coolant leak! Yay! But I just don't see how. Bolt on the very front bottom side of the exhaust headder is soaked with coolant!

**T.Dot_E30** · 07-07-2011, 08:00 AM

Is that the front of the engine?

Doesn't look good, it could be the headgasket unless something from the front of the engine is spraying coolant there.

Ceeker · 07-07-2011, 08:03 AM

you;ve got leak down. it's probably coming from further up on the head. possibly cracked head. Check oil dipstick to see if any coolant is getting into the pan. Also keep your eyes on the coolant level to see if it drops. at this stage I wouldn't worry bout it. but if it bugs the crap out of you; remove the exhaust manifold to inspect. Maybe a gasket is bad, maybe your head gasket is gone; either way you'll most likely need to remove the head to correct the problem.

InfiniteDice · 07-07-2011, 08:18 AM

I'd say look at any hose that has that same greenish crud on it. Under pressure, when the system is hot it can be leaking then blowing back onto the manifold. The only thing above the manifold would be the head and the head gasket.

Most likely a hose near that area (the same one in the picture) or it's the waterpump gasket and the fluid is creeping around the block and getting to the manifold.

Vrbovsky · 07-07-2011, 08:46 AM

Tdot. Yes that is the front of the engine but from the underside.

My first thought was cracked head. I talked to a friend of the p.o. And he mentioned the head was off. So I wonder if its not just a shit head gasket job.

It won't be spray since the car has been on jack stands since last fall. Its a constant slow leak.

I'm beginning to doubt its worth the trouble of sending it away and investigating. I've got a lead on another M20, should probably just swap it. Or S50 it.

**T.Dot_E30** · 07-07-2011, 08:49 AM

If it's a slow leak, it will probably drive like that for years. Ignore it until it becomes a bigger problem or you need an excuse to do an m/s5x swap

Vrbovsky · 07-07-2011, 09:52 AM

I guess you could say I'm looking for an excuse. But on the other hand I've spent nearly 6k replacing everything and rebuilding the body, so might as well spent a bit more and get something I really want.

I'll take it to the airport on the 23rd and push the hell out of it. If it blows then I'll know I have a problem

E30M42cab · 07-09-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.Dot_E30

If it's a slow leak, it will probably drive like that for years. Ignore it until it becomes a bigger problem

I like your style

Spoken like a true (former) e30 owner.