Coolant Leak

[94J3000]

Hey guys, I just got my J30 and LOVE it so far. Its a 94 with 243k on it, bought it for $1000 because it needed a master cylinder. Bought the master cylinder for $130 and installed it myself. I've read through alot of post and have learned alot already. I have a problem with a coolant leak, seems to be coming from where the radiator hoses connect to the engine or in that area atleast. Are there any common spots for coolant to leak from in that area? it runs downt the front of the engine and drips right by the crank pulley. Thanks in advance for any help.

[misfit6794]

Easiest way to find the exact spot that is leaking is to pressure test the system, its easy and cheap. It could be coming from the water pump or the two hoses the run into the front of the engine. Pray its just the hoses. if its the water pump or the metal housing that those two pipes run into, thats a major pain.

[brandonjustice93J30]

upper and lower thermostat housings...just replaced mine was about a $250-$300 job.

[misfit6794]

That was a bargain, those damn hex screws/bolts are a huge pita.

[driverdriver]

Welcome to NICO 94J3000!!! You don't live all that far from me.

[brandonjustice93J30]

one shop wanted over 600 and the dealer wanted 400...finally called a shop from where I grew up and they did it for around $300

[94J3000]

Thanks for the advice everybody, I put in a thing of stop leak and it has bought me some time. You guys ever have J30 meets?

[brandonjustice93J30]

it's been a while that I know of...I think the last indy meet I know of was about two-three years ago

[misfit6794]

That stop leak stuff is going to cause you more problems. It clogs EVERYTHING in the cooling system, hoses, water pump, the rad, heater core. Flush that crap out asap.

[94J3000]

Yeah Thanks, I had a feeling the stop leak would be a mixed blessing. Of course its leaking again, I noticed something and thought it might help figure out where it is actually leaking. With the car idling if i take off the radiator cap it leaks like crazy, with the cap on it drips slowly. Is that a clue as to what is leaking? thanks for the help.

[misfit6794]

When you take the cap off, you are letting air into the system, so its going to push out more coolant. I think a mechanic would charge you like 10 bucks to pressure test the system, and find out exactly what and where the leak is.

[94J3000]

Alright thanks for the tip misfit, I'll see if i can get it pressure tested.