Coolant Leak I30

[qewen]

Hi everyone--I just joined and this is my first posting. I have a coolant leak on my 2000 I30(110K) . It looks like it is coming from the area between the engine block and the alternator/AC Compressor . Before I replace the water pump I just wanted to ask if there is anything else that could be leaking in that same area (freeze plug , thermo switch ) ?

[sleepyS14]

did you check all your hoses for leaks ? why replace the pump off the bat?

welcome to Nico btw

[maxhopper]

I would check to make sure its not the thermostat neck leaking and running down. The water pump is a major pain to replace.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

BAR NONE, leaks are the toughest thing for a shop to fix, mostlybecause they dont want to take the time to do it and want to sell parts.

1) Get some kind of alchohol bases cleaner (throttle body cleaneror Electromotive cleaner) and a lot of rags and clean up the areain question thoughly) before even looking for the leak. Do this oneday and look for the leak the next.

Come back 4 hours later with a dry rag and rewipe. The old throttle bodycleaner tends to "hang on" to the steel you sprayed on easier than youthink.

2)Clean your driveway/parking spot or leave clean newspapersdown underneath the car so you can see exactly where the leak is coming from.

3) Have a lot of light handy when looking

[Sentientbydesign]

I would definately check the hoses first. Actually, if they look even a little off, just replace them. They aren't that expensive and it will save you the headache later.

Also, a variation on Nutriaforbreakfast's method is to fillup your resevoir to it's proper level (also check the radiator itself-while cold- to see if there is anything visible).

Clean all effected areas.

Then, take the car for a drive (5-10 mins) to warm it up and then leave it on (parked) with the A/C on.

You should be able to see and smell the coolant/antifreeze and localize where it's coming from.