coolent Spewing

[Vern]

I have a 88 4cyl 5sp manual with 280,000. The cooling system has been my worst nightmare. Replaced all parts involved and my temp still raises and drops sparaticly. I stopped at napa to call in the warrenty on my t-state(hoping this was the problem) I pull up, get out to see coolent pouring Down my engine Block. Napa guy thinks it may be a crack in my Heater core hard line and bouncing off the block. I'm praying it's not the HG.

I need help with pin pointing the problem.
As far as the HG, the leak looks like it could be coming out of the engine block. But My oil looks good and my compression is great and drove another 40 miles home after adding more water with no problems. Any other ways to tell if this is it?

The HC line runs behind the manifold, along the engine block, to the LRL.
I was thinking of Placing a piece of cardboard between the hard line and the block, hoping to separate the two to tell which is leaking. If I do find a leak in the line, I might use JB weld to patch it until I get the replacement. $75 from dealer

My heat goes out when the temp goes up. I'm going to test to see if the leak only happens when the heat is on. Any Ideas and experiance would be great!

 

[fourwd1]

Have the cooling system pressure tested, that should help pin-point the leak.

 

[Vern]

Have the cooling system pressure tested, that should help pin-point the leak.

Good idea! How much does that usually run. I've never payed anyone to do testing on any of my cars.

 

[turboSR5]

Since you are the DIY type of person, you could buy a cooling system pressure tester, you might not save money on the first use (maybe you will, I do not know how much a mechanic would charge for this service). I am looking at replacing my old Craftsman test kit with a new OTC kit, just need to decide on which model at this point. The OTC brand ranges from about $80.00 and up, you can find cheaper brands and/or models all over the place locally and online.

 

[03vrod]

Some of the local parts stores have them to loan Advance,auto zone.

 

[fishrod]

I had mine tested the other week

Looking at the final bill they maybe charged me for half an hours labour to do the cooling system pressure test.

Hard to tell though as the total was over 500 bucks

 

[rustyrazor]

Coolant

Not sure if you have this fixed yet or not. I tend to check this site sporadically.

I had coolant spraying all over when my timing cover gasket failed.

If the coolant is coming from the front of the engine this could be your problem.

The water pump is integrated into the timing cover and engine block and if the gasket fails in this area you get coolant leaks.