1998 QX4 help!

[ktmvega]

Hi!

I'm new to the forum, and would like some help and advice. My 98 QX4 is having some issues, it drives fine and it's not overheating yet, but after a drive, when I turn the car off white smoke comes out and it leaks some coolant from the front driver side. Could this be a hose? I recently had to replace the bypass hose in the back. Please help! I need to get it running smoothly ASAP for school and work.

Thanks!!!

[Kompresshun]

Honestly it could be a number of things from your description. First of all, the temperature gauge isn't jumping to hot when this happens right?

Regardless you need to locate the leak. Probably the best way to do so is to have someone start the car and keep an eye on the temp gauge to make sure it doesn't overheat while you're checking. Let it get warm and build up pressure, then you should be able to easily locate where it's coming from. It may be something as simple as a hose, or something more complex like a radiator or water pump so if you can't easily find the leak from a visual inspection then you'll need to do a coolant system pressure test. You can have a mechanic do this, or you can rent a testing kit from an auto parts store and do it yourself.

[ktmvega]

Thanks Kompresshun! I'll take a closer at the engine while it's running. And no, the temperature gauge doesn't jump when running.

[ktmvega]

Okay! So I found the leak, it's a small hose underneath the throttle body leaking what I assume to be coolant. Any one know the part name of how to replace it?

[atraudes]

If it's the rubber hose, you should be able to pull the hose off, go to the parts store, and get a similarly-sized and purposed replacement for a few bucks. You may want to get new clamps as well, but I've always had good luck just reusing the old ones. Might as well get replacements for both hoses on the throttle body while you're in there.

If it's the metal pipe the hose is attached to, that probably means a new throttle body. You can buy a used on on eBay for a not-terrifying amount.

[ktmvega]

Atraudes, its a rubber hose. Do I have to remove the mani for that?

[Leo1998]

Yes you have to remove the intake manifold. Mine is leaking too, LOL! it has been for weeks. here's a pick i found of the coolant hose(s). Might as well replace the PCV valve too it's under there. And clean the IACV. So there's more than one thing to do while you have it off.



Edit: Those aren't my arrows or circles they came with the picture, the hose(s) you want of course are the front ones.
Let me know what hose you get. mines leaking on the drivers side also.

[ktmvega]

This is very intimidating hahaha

[Leo1998]

Hey I just went and took a closer look and if you work at it you CAN replace the hose with the bend in it without removing the manifold. If you look you can get to both ends and if you can't get the spring clamps back on try using the screw type as a replacement. Also put some vasaline or some kind of lube on the ends before installing new hose to make it easier to slip on.

[ktmvega]

Hey I just went and took a closer look and if you work at it you CAN replace the hose with the bend in it without removing the manifold. If you look you can get to both ends and if you can't get the spring clamps back on try using the screw type as a replacement. Also put some vasaline or some kind of lube on the ends before installing new hose to make it easier to slip on.

Thanks Leo! Ill try it out! I think im going to try and replace both, my QX4, she got over 200k. I feel like as soon as I replace one, the other will give out. Might as well be safe and do both now. But if its possible without removing the mani, then you just brought me some wonderful news!!

[Leo1998]

I just finished doing mine, took under an hour. You can do the long one with the bend in it without removing the manifold. I did remove the distributor cap and move it out of the way for better access. I dropped some 3-n-1 oil on the metal parts before installing the new hose, slipped right on! I used 1/2" heater hose, it works until i can take the original to the parts store because it has a molded bend in it. its so easy i plan on doing it again, hahaha.

The short straight one you can not get to without removing the manifold.

[ktmvega]

I just finished doing mine, took under an hour. You can do the long one with the bend in it without removing the manifold. I did remove the distributor cap and move it out of the way for better access. I dropped some 3-n-1 oil on the metal parts before installing the new hose, slipped right on! I used 1/2" heater hose, it works until i can take the original to the parts store because it has a molded bend in it. its so easy i plan on doing it again, hahaha.

The short straight one you can not get to without removing the manifold.

The short straight one is the one I have to replace hahaha just my luck! Oh well! I'm sure there's a video somewhere on how to properly remove the manifold right?

[Leo1998]

Here's the video I watched when i first removed mine.

http://youtu.be/vjL24ojaYtM

Make sure you put rags or shop towels in the openings after removing the intake so nothing falls into them damaging the engine.

[atraudes]

Were you able to use the bulk hose they sell at the part store, or was the bend in the hose a dealbreaker?

[ktmvega]

Here's the video I watched when i first removed mine.

http://youtu.be/vjL24ojaYtM

Make sure you put rags or shop towels in the openings after removing the intake so nothing falls into them damaging the engine.

Leo, you're awesome! Thanks!

[Leo1998]

I used the 1/2" heater hose you can buy off the reel at AutoZone. It was a tight bend for sure. I let it idle till the temp gauge was in the middle. I will know for sure when the girlfriend gets back from yoga if it worked or if I have to go get her if it didn't.

[Leo1998]

She's home and the temp. is normal and no leaks, I'll keep an eye on it for a few more days just to see if the hose i used works.