Oh That Car of Mine...

[Haitian_King]

Last week, I had an issue with brake fluid on the ground under the car. Today, I walked past the car and saw another puddle. This time it was antifreeze green. Grrr. I was on my way out and didn't have the time to investigate. The car was fine yesterday. No overheating or even a rise in temperature to indicate a problem.

What do I do now? I'm going to give it a look tomorrow and see what I can find, but I'm not too sure on exactly where to look. Any thoughts?

I figure if I can find the problem, I can drop it off at the PA shop I go to, rather than get on the Turnpike to NJ.

This car is depleting its rainy day fund faster than I can fill it.

Every week is a new episode. I think the car is being passive-aggressive again. I wonder what I did to make it angry?

[Infinitiguy19]

Definitely look in the plenum area, specifically the valley if you have a scope or a mirror small enough to see in there. Unless its comming from the weep hole on the water pump.

1.look at the water pump

2. look at the radiator hoses

3. Look at the plenum and all the hoses under it.

Best of luck.

[unknown007]

Make your leaking coolant. Check under the plenum into the valley to make sure there's not a flood in the valley.If there's coolant might have blown or broke one you coolant hose like the one I had to replace.Also if it's filled your gonna need new KS.Check radiator make sure it's not cracked or anything.Look at all the hoses and inspect to make sure none of your hoses broke.If your to do the Plenum job replace all the hoses if you got no high budget at the moment do a minimum wage like I did.

The brake fluid might be from the brake fluid container being over filled?I dunno.Well let us know what the deal is.

[Haitian_King]

Make your leaking coolant. Check under the plenum into the valley to make sure there's not a flood in the valley.If there's coolant might have blown or broke one you coolant hose like the one I had to replace.Also if it's filled your gonna need new KS.Check radiator make sure it's not cracked or anything.Look at all the hoses and inspect to make sure none of your hoses broke.If your to do the Plenum job replace all the hoses if you got no high budget at the moment do a minimum wage like I did.

The brake fluid might be from the brake fluid container being over filled?I dunno.Well let us know what the deal is.

The brake fluid was from the master cylinder. That got replaced last week.

I hope that the coolant hoses aren't broken completely. I need to get the car to the shop at least. I hope to God that my KS are fine.

Definitely look in the plenum area, specifically the valley if you have a scope or a mirror small enough to see in there. Unless its comming from the weep hole on the water pump.

1.look at the water pump

2. look at the radiator hoses

3. Look at the plenum and all the hoses under it.

Best of luck.

I'd been meaning to replace my water pump and thermostat. I've been having fluctuations in my idle too so I was already getting a new alternator. While the alternator was being switched out, I was going to replace my A/C compressor.

I don't know how I'm going to do all of this right now though. Damn damn damn it!

[Infinitiguy19]

Do all that and the compressor (Assuming OEM new is used) and the alternator (Assuming battery is changed every 5 years or less) you should be good for 100K at least.

But that is going to cost some serious money.

[jimbyjimb]

Check the weep hole on the water pump, all of the major hose connections, inside of the valley under the plenum, radiator side tanks. Most aluminum radiators have a 10-year life before the plastic side tanks begin leaking. If it's a hose feel it, if it's spongy change when you can. Tighten the hose clamps if it's coming from a hose-end. If there is coolant in the valley then say hello to a possible plenum job, unless it's the top hose or the fan is spraying leaky coolant into the valley if the leak is bad enough. Just be calm, it's probably not a big deal. Start with the simple stuff and work your way to the more difficult stuff. Radiator r/r is very simple, as is hose replacement/water pump replacement. With all the pics on Q45.org it's even easier.

[Q45tech]

"This car is depleting its rainy day fund faster than I can fill it.Every week is a new episode. I think the car is being passive-aggressive again. I wonder what I did to make it angry?"

Those with only a 2-3 year ownership interval are learning, just wait until you've had the car for 19+ years.

Everyday I weigh which car to take, which will cost the most in wear and tear for the days journey........the 10 year old AMG or the 19 year old Q.They both get the same MPG. The AMG costs 2.5x the Q in tires and brakes and weighs 500 pounds less.

[NightRiderQ45]

"This car is depleting its rainy day fund faster than I can fill it.Every week is a new episode. I think the car is being passive-aggressive again. I wonder what I did to make it angry?"

Those with only a 2-3 year ownership interval are learning, just wait until you've had the car for 19+ years.

Everyday I weigh which car to take, which will cost the most in wear and tear for the days journey........the 10 year old AMG or the 19 year old Q.They both get the same MPG. The AMG costs 2.5x the Q in tires and brakes and weighs 500 pounds less.

Would have been great if you could have provided some type of answer to his question...

[jimbyjimb]

Would have been too relevant and simple. There's that "simple" word again. Good grief...

[maxnix]

Would have been too relevant and simple. There's that "simple" word again. Good grief...

It's called "The Big Picture", not "Just Today's Crisis."

[NightRiderQ45]

It's called "The Big Picture", not "Just Today's Crisis."

Haitian, sorry I don't have any answers to your question, but there are some good replies posted. Also, there is another guy on this board named SteveTheTech now. I've read a lot of his posts and he knows what he is talking about and actually post "Just Today's Crisis" answers. Maybe send him a email.

[jimbyjimb]

Thanks, dad.

[oldmako]

Random thoughts:

This might sound really stupid, but make sure that you get the engine nice and hot to assist you in finding that coolant leak. If it's a slight leak it will become more evident once the coolant gets hot and up to pressure.

Don't forget to use your nose. Leaking coolant has a fairly strong and unique odor which can help you find a leak if it's out of sight.

Are you sure that the leaking coolant was from your car and not the vehicle which was parked there before yours??

This is another good reason to keep your engine bay nice and clean. Any abnormality is easier to spot.

Sometimes it's beneficial to get under the car and look up to find a leak. You may be able to see the trail of liquid that's invis from above.

Off to make the donuts. Good luck with the anomaly.

[Infinitiguy19]

Good post.

Or you can try a coolant system pressure tester, Go to Auto zone and rent one for $80 (refundable payment), test your self or have some one you can trust with cars hook it up to filler neck and make sure the system hold 23 PSI. I know it won't due to the leak but this will force the leak to expose its self.

[Haitian_King]

All great posts with the exception of two. Those were expected though.

After class, I went out and checked the car. I couldn't spot anything topside, even with the aid of a digital camera. I didn't see anything in the valley, but I didn't get the best eyeball on it. I tried using the camera to see if I could pick up a reflection but no dice.

I couldn't reach any hoses to touch so I don't know what their status is.

I saw that the coolant reservoir is low. Almost empty. My dad says I can fill it with water so I can get to the shop a couple miles down the road. Is that a viable option?

I'm going to go back and get underneath the car to see what's what, but I won't be able to get in too deep for lack of clearance.

If the water option is something that can be a quick band-aid just enough to make it to the shop, then I can do that tomorrow, leave it there, and have them fix it.

[Infinitiguy19]

If your dad meant distilled water then yes, regular water will corrode some of the alluminum and possibly form a slime layer in the hoses.

[Haitian_King]

So I pick up some distilled water and I'm good to go? I'll see if I can get a ride up to a store. This can be purchased anywhere right? Or would it be better to just buy a gallon of antifreeze?

[Infinitiguy19]

You can mix antifreeze and distilled water, just try and keep it at a 50/50 mix.

Don't add more than 1.25 gallons.

[Q45tech]

"make sure the system hold 23 PSI"

That is not a good idea since the OEM specification for pressure cap is 0.9 Bar or 13.23 PSI.

.

[oldmako]

....or just schwing by auto schleppy and by the premix stuff right off the shelf. You'll pay more, but there is a cost associated with the convenience. Just toss a gallon or two in the trunk.

Driving the car a just bit low isn't a big deal....but you do need to keep a CLOSE eye on the coolant level if you drive it for a while like this. Check it each time you drive if it's bad, every other if not. I drove my truck for an entire summer before I got around to fixing a slight leak. Shame on me....but it worked, never overheated etc.

When I said to peer up from below the car I should have been more precise. Get your eyeball right below the leak. Obviously with a Q-bomb, you'll have to jack that mother up....OR if the curbs are tolerant in your hood (ie there is a sloping driveway cutout) just put two wheels up on the curb and they you'll be able to get under it without messing with a jack and a safety.

You may have to yank the lower gizmo off to facilitate observage. There are a ton of things which can leak. The good news is, if you can't find it, it will inevitably get mo' worser' and it will become very evident.

Keep your eye on that temp gauge in the meantime.

[Haitian_King]

Random thoughts:

This might sound really stupid, but make sure that you get the engine nice and hot to assist you in finding that coolant leak. If it's a slight leak it will become more evident once the coolant gets hot and up to pressure.

Don't forget to use your nose. Leaking coolant has a fairly strong and unique odor which can help you find a leak if it's out of sight.

Are you sure that the leaking coolant was from your car and not the vehicle which was parked there before yours??

This is another good reason to keep your engine bay nice and clean. Any abnormality is easier to spot.

Sometimes it's beneficial to get under the car and look up to find a leak. You may be able to see the trail of liquid that's invis from above.

Off to make the donuts. Good luck with the anomaly.

I just got back from underneath the car. Looks like the leak originates from right under the radiator. I'm boned. I can't get a ride to the Walgreen's tonight for the distilled water, so I'll try again between classes tomorrow and try to get the car to the shop. Another thing that's bugging me is that there are no guarantees that the car can be fixed tomorrow, so I'm foreseeing not having a car until Monday.

Goddamn Gypsy curses.

[qship96]

Any repair shop can locate and install new radiator in way less than 1 day.I went with a CSF brand radiator ,less than $200 for part, works perfectly so far{2 years}.

[Haitian_King]

Any repair shop can locate and install new radiator in way less than 1 day.I went with a CSF brand radiator ,less than $200 for part, works perfectly so far{2 years}.

Really? That is great news! That's definitely a load off. Thanks for the heads up!

[oldmako]

1800radiator. They will bring a new rad to your door. Now, I have no idea if they are any good, or will fit your ride. They are a franchise and as such they are only as good as the guy who runs the one in your hood. I suspect that an Infin rad is one pricey mofo. You might want to shop around and see what your choices are.

But, first find the leak. It might just be a bum hose, or a loose or broken clamp. IOW an easy cheap fix.

Unless your car has wizzed all or most of it's coolant out on the street, go ahead and drive it. An empty expansion chamber isn't such a big deal IF the rad itself is full of coolant. Now I'm not suggesting a drive across Texas or run that mother like a chainsaw, but if you just need to quick run to autozone, then check your coolant and hit the road.

[Haitian_King]

1800radiator. They will bring a new rad to your door. Now, I have no idea if they are any good, or will fit your ride. They are a franchise and as such they are only as good as the guy who runs the one in your hood. I suspect that an Infin rad is one pricey mofo. You might want to shop around and see what your choices are.

But, first find the leak. It might just be a bum hose, or a loose or broken clamp. IOW an easy cheap fix.

Unless your car has wizzed all or most of it's coolant out on the street, go ahead and drive it. An empty expansion chamber isn't such a big deal IF the rad itself is full of coolant. Now I'm not suggesting a drive across Texas or run that mother like a chainsaw, but if you just need to quick run to autozone, then check your coolant and hit the road.

Thanks for the advice. Most of the coolant looks to be on the ground. I opened the radiator cap and stuck a finger in there. Came out dry as a bone. I think I might just have to fill it with the distilled water or premix and make my way to the shop. I can't see any of the hoses per se, even when I got under the car. Then again, the car is in the parking lot of my apartment complex and I don't have much clearance. I'll try getting under there again with a flashlight, but for now, I'm assuming the worst. If it turns out to be not be as bad as I'm thinking it is, then I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Always the pessimist....

[Haitian_King]

I made it to the shop after filling the radiator with distilled water. I dropped the car off last night and I heard back from the tech today.

The leak is from the water pump. I need a new pump, thermostat, belts and bearings.

This is all stuff I had wanted to do anyway, just not this weekend. So far the cost of parts and labor is $911. I asked the tech to price an alternator and compressor and recalculate. I'm waiting for him to call back with a final price.

Hopefully, it can all get done under $1200 as that's my current Q budget for right now. Any higher and I might have to scratch the alternator and compressor for a couple of weeks. This is already cutting into my Q's cosmetic budget.

Thanks for all of the advice guys. Spot on about the pump.
Modified by Haitian_King at 6:23 PM 3/27/2009

[qship96]

$$$ 911 sounds like a truckload for that work!!! If you price the items with joe, My guess is pump is about $125, thermostat $15, 3 belts $45, and 3 complete idler pullys{ not just their bearings} $150....total $335 that leaves a truckload of labor charges built into that $911. Why not do the job yourself and save? the items are pretty simple, and should only take 2-3 hours maximum!!!!

EDIT... I looked up exact prices on Joes site for you

1. waterpump $1102. all 3 belts total $513.thermostat $204.A/c pully $58, couldnt find the other 2, but prices are similar- much cheaper to purchase just the bearings and press them in.

My original estimate of $335 is extremely close to actuals, plus joe is having a additional sale of some kind currently, not sure the exact amount.
Modified by qship96 at 7:39 PM 3/27/2009

[unknown007]

NO!!!I got a cracked radiator today.Dunno how but it's so frustrating.All I did was loan $2 from this girl and she took me to buy radiator seal.Worked like a charm time to look for a good condition or new radiator.

The CSF radiator here are $250 to get it shipped to the store and taxes.

Well since my radiator is coming out time for a new fan maybe and some other fixes.Maybe I should remove all the leafs in front of the radiator. Then take out everything inside the engine that goes through the cooling system.My teacher said if I unplug the top hose and the bottom hose all I have to do is get a hose,put it in the top one real tight,and blast all the water which will make everything in there go backwards,coming out the bottom opening. Better or I'll be mad keep us posted.

[qship96]

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com lists CSF radiator for 90-96 Q for $156 delivered.

[Haitian_King]

$$$ 911 sounds like a truckload for that work!!! If you price the items with joe, My guess is pump is about $125, thermostat $15, 3 belts $45, and 3 complete idler pullys{ not just their bearings} $150....total $335 that leaves a truckload of labor charges built into that $911. Why not do the job yourself and save? the items are pretty simple, and should only take 2-3 hours maximum!!!!

EDIT... I looked up exact prices on Joes site for you

1. waterpump $1102. all 3 belts total $513.thermostat $204.A/c pully $58, couldnt find the other 2, but prices are similar- much cheaper to purchase just the bearings and press them in.

My original estimate of $335 is extremely close to actuals, plus joe is having a additional sale of some kind currently, not sure the exact amount.

Modified by qship96 at 7:39 PM 3/27/2009

Wow. thanks for doing that leg work. I wonder if I can still call and have them cancel it. I don't think they'll be starting the work until Monday. I won't be able to get the parts and have them shipped to the shop though by then would I? I only agreed to the price because I was in a tight spot and I dislike not having my car. But if I can save that much then, I think I'll let them hold on to the car a bit longer. I'll call first thing Monday morning and have them delay work and cancel the part orders. I have half a mind to throttle the guy for his shenanigans. I'd been to them once and they were decent and conveniently close by. But this is unacceptable.

Thanks a million Qship!

I can't really do the stuff myself because I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't even have a driveway to work in. I'm sure my property manager would frown upon mechanic work in the parking lot.

BTW, this is shop's website. http://www.fredsonsini.com/