Mysterious Coolant Leak...

[WheelinGypsy]

Hello,

1998 3.4L Auto
About a month ago I started to notice a pungent "sweet" burning smell when I would park after driving and get out. I could also see paint steam coming from the hood when it was left to sit.

It has progressively gotten worse to the point that it empties the coolant reservoir when I drive it, and I can see in dripping coolant from the bottom of the engine.

I thought it might be the water pump because it hasn't been replaced in a while, so I pulled off the timing belt cover and ran it and i didn't see the water pump leaking at all, and I even think it might be leaking from the back of the engine and dripping on the hot exhaust. I looked at the metal coolant pipe on the back of the motor and it also doesn't look like its leaking... Could it be leaking from the head gasket??

https://vimeo.com/291156254

There's coolant dripping from front

https://vimeo.com/291155952

and from back

 

[sudsbear]

Pressure test your cooling system, and start digging :/

 

[19963.4lsr5]

The intake gasket could be leaking into the valley between the heads.

One of the heater hoses or spring clamps at the back of the engine could be leaking

The little coolant line that goes to the throttle body could be leaking.



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[octanejunkie]

The intake gasket could be leaking into the valley between the heads.

One of the heater hoses or spring clamps at the back of the engine could be leaking

The little coolant line that goes to the throttle body could be leaking.

If it's the IAC coolant connections you can probably see it visually leaking while revving the engine by hand at the throttle body, but your engine would be a sloshing puddle on top for it to leak like your videos show. Check the heater core valve on the firewall, but I suspect if it were that easy you'd have seen it already.

Since it's draining your overflow reservoir I'd look at a radiator pressure test and a cylinder compression/leak down test as well.

Is there any coolant in your motor oil?

 

[WheelinGypsy]

If it's the IAC coolant connections you can probably see it visually leaking while revving the engine by hand at the throttle body, but your engine would be a sloshing puddle on top for it to leak like your videos show. Check the heater core valve on the firewall, but I suspect if it were that easy you'd have seen it already.

Since it's draining your overflow reservoir I'd look at a radiator pressure test and a cylinder compression/leak down test as well.

Is there any coolant in your motor oil?

There is no coolant in motor oil or trans fluid, and the radiator is a new NAPA one that’s less than a year old, with no signs of seeping.

The motor and transmission overheated once when I was flat towing up a steep hill, but That’s pretty much the ugly neglect the motor has seen

 

[Killvon]

I’ve got the exact same problem going on with my 97. Sweet smell, steam coming from rear of the engine bay near the firewall. Did you figure out what the issue was?

 

[wcjeep]

When cooled, clean all area surfaces. Will aid in troubleshooting. How old are the rubber hoses? Old rubber hoses can dry rot. Then leak through the sheath.

 

[WheelinGypsy]

I’ve got the exact same problem going on with my 97. Sweet smell, steam coming from rear of the engine bay near the firewall. Did you figure out what the issue was?

I haven’t been able to find the leak... it’s just been sitting there.

 

[heat]

Anybody checked the heater valve? It sits right above the crossover pipe...

 

[gamefreakgc]

Check the heater valve, as well as the rear heater lines if you have them. The rear heater hoses go right above the area where it's dripping on the crossover pipe and burning off.

x2 on pressure testing kit. Some tool stores will let you rent them for free. Allows you to check for leaks when the engine is cold and not burn yourself.