Coolant Leak identification

[theonlycola]

All,

Need some help identifying a coolant leak on my 01 4WD. Unfortunately I’m thinking it’s the DS head gasket but wanted to confirm. The leak is intermittent, and usually worse when the car is cold. Haven’t noticed any overheating, even with my 60 mile commute to work each day. It appears to be located behind the exhaust crossover near the driver side head. Didn’t see any coolant in between the heads. Hoping it’s not the head gasket, but let me know if I’m thinking right here.

Thank you in advance!

 

[mtbtim]

If you're seeing it on the exhaust crossover pipe, it could be coming from a leak from one of the many coolant hoses at the back of the engine near the firewall. I'd investigate there before doing anything drastic. If you take the plenums off, you can get a better look at all the coolant hose connections. I'd do a cooling system pressure test to help you locate the source. You can pick up a pressure tester for pretty cheap or maybe even rent one for free from an auto parts store.

 

[T4R2014]

Check your heater and throttle body hoses. OEM parts are best, at minimum use OEM clamps. If not this then intake manifold gaskets are something to think about at this age. Worst case scenario is a freeze plug or head gasket.