It looks like I have a coolant leak on the back driver's side somewhere around the heater core hoses and the plumbing up under the plenum. When I fill the coolant, per the FSM instructions, cap it off, and then run the engine at operating temperature, then rev to 3,000 for 10 seconds, I see a little steam coming up from this area.

Would this be a leak that is caused by pressure when the engine is revving? I suppose I'm going to have to remove the plenum to pinpoint this leak, and replace what ever is leaking.

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~

Could it have anything to do with that vent plug repair you made some time back?

Since you have a manual throttle, remain at the engine bay area and rev up the engine while looking keenly (or sending some kind of a camera) to pinpoint where the leak is coming from exactly. You might be able to address it without disassembling half the engine.

I'm pretty sure the 02+ has the servo controlled throttle body? The camera idea is interesting... Some of the borescope options for use with a smart phone are so cheap I'm surprised I haven't purchased one.

Q451990 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 12, 2018 8:41 am

I'm pretty sure the 02+ has the servo controlled throttle body? ..

Yes, both statements are true for most of the early VK45DEs. Start at 16:30-ish.

It seems I was wrong. The little steam I was seeing was probably from coolant that dripped out of the bleeder on the heater core hose while I was letting the air out.

I must say... The coolant system on this car is very finicky! I was only completing the coolant refill procedure in a half-assed manner as well.

For now, it's all good once again.

Thanks guys!

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~