mysterious coolant leak

[Geddy]

96 I30 leaking coolant while engine is COLD. When hot there is no steaming or hissing or leaking. In the morning there is a puddle of cold green coolant under the car. Has been ongoing for about 6months, my son just adds coolant. Now its Getting worse. Can't see where its coming from with (air conditioning pump?) in the way. Coming from higher up.

Is it true that water pump replacement is major issue involving removal of timing chains with these things?

(i found the FSM thanks to jltibbs)

Wonder if stop leak might help?

Modified by Geddy at 8:15 AM 10/10/2009
Modified by Geddy at 8:42 AM 10/10/2009

[jltibbs]

Welcome to NICO.

It can be a little gruesome as far as the water pump replacement is concerned, and looks as though this may be your issue. I think I paid around ~$200 plus the price of the pump to have this done to my 95 Maxima.

If you have a puddle overnight, ditch the stop leak idea. If it were a couple of drops here and there, maybe give it a shot. Regardless, stop leak is a band aid that will mask the problem, and cause more issues further down the road.

[loystock]

I have done water pump replacements in two other cars before and it's no fun. Next time I have such a problem, I'll just let the shop do it for me - with OEM parts from IoS.

As per OP, avoid the Stop Leak. It could even clog your radiator or other engine components.

[Geddy]

Well, we did it last night, put some Barr's leak in it that promises to seal leaks in plastic, the metals, gaskets, etc. This morning i found your emails and ran out to look under the car. There was no puddle, but there was moisture spots. We shall see.

Wonder why these cars are so amazing. My son has owned this 96 with l65,000 on it now, for a year, and it has never had a problem. It leaks no oil! I'm reading on this site of many othere cars like his. I am old school and have never owned foreign. Why can't we build a car like that.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Could it be around the throttle body area? There is a coolant hose whichconnects to the upper intake manifold I think. It is a real nuissance.

[Geddy]

GOOD tip on the throttle body, i'll check that one out