coolant leak, SR20det s13 help

[Driftcardotnet]

so i checked my coolant level from the radiator cap randomly one morning and it's empty so i refill it with coolant, then i look for the leaked coolant and it was under the passenger door area, so now i check the radiator every few days, and i have to add coolant to the radiator every few days. what gives? this was recently installed but when i bring it to the shop who did the install. nothing happens doesn't leak or anything. what could it be?

[duffman1278]

I feel you man, I had this happen, installed my radiator, bam, it leaks and I'm like "great its busted..." than now it doesn't or I don't see signs of it anywhere but somehow my coolant level drops

[Hijacker]

Check the heater hose connections and make sure they're tight

[Driftcardotnet]

how would i do that? where are the heater hoses? and um...

[wackawacka]

Make sure water pump isnt leaking. You will see coolant running down front of the block. Its on the front. Run the motor and look to see where it comes from.

[Hijacker]

how would i do that? where are the heater hoses? and um...

They're the two hoses leading from the back of the motor to the firewall.

[duffman1278]

Here's where they're located at, mines from a redtop. Just ignore the finger lol but its where the black heater hose is above the SS braided line. You're lines will be a big different because I recirculated mine back into the engine because I don't have a heater but this is just to show you.

[SRspoolin]

They're the two hoses leading from the back of the motor to the firewall.

yes, check those two heater hose's. both of mine were leaking.

[codyace]

Here's where they're located at, mines from a redtop. Just ignore the finger lol but its where the black heater hose is above the SS braided line. You're lines will be a big different because I recirculated mine back into the engine because I don't have a heater but this is just to show you.

Don't you guys need defrosters to work for inspection?

And I would strongly advise everyone who uses those plastic house 'coupler' deals to be very careful. I have seen others melt them and break them (myself included)....I would really suggest a brass fitting replacement at best...

[duffman1278]

OMFG you serious???? I can't get back there without pulling out the engine. sigh ftl

[Hijacker]

Brass is the better choice, but the plastic works too. I've been running with plastic stepping couplers for 4 years now with no leaks.

[duffman1278]

Well I hope it goes the same for me

[Hijacker]

OE uses plastic FYI. If you flog the motor constantly and live in an area where your cooling system gets hot fast, I would tell you brass is the way to go. So long as you bought a decent quality plastic coupler, you will be fine using it.

[duffman1278]

Well luckily I'm in socal so I don't really have to worry about the heat in my area

[Driftcardotnet]

hey duffman do you go to the arcadia 240 meet (friday) or the wenesday valleyone?

[schanne]

I had bad luck with coolant leaking. Pretty sure every damn hose went because when they did the swap they never replaced all the hoses. Look behind the motor and check for coolant, that was the worst one for me

[duffman1278]

hey duffman do you go to the arcadia 240 meet (friday) or the wenesday valleyone?

I've gone to the Aracadia one a few times, but I went with my friend or my car(not my S13), I'm trying to start my car right now, when I do get it up and running I will go more though for sure