Expert: Rob Painter - 9/3/2010

Question
eveytime I change one hose so it will stop leaking antifreeze I get another leak why is this? first I changed the assembly hose in the back of the motor,then it got a hole in the #2 hose on the front of the car now it's leaking somewhere in the back of the motor again.

Answer
Hello,

The reason this is happening is the same concept is that like electricity. Problems show up at the least sign of resistance.

Your cooling system is pressurized. The hoses you are referring to our 12 years old and yes, they are old enough to fail and should all be replaced. When you run the engine hot (Your aluminum engine will self destruct when temp gauge goes beyond 3/4) the hoses weaken there by causing any weak part in that hose to leak.

There are numerous components that can cause leaks to these wonderfully designed aluminum engines (i.e. Head gaskets, engine block, heater core, water pump, radiator, intake manifold etc.) just to name a few problems.

Cadillac has made inferior aluminum engines that can be good until they end up with an overheating problem. You can't buy a used engine because they are most likely junk from being overheated too. You end up spending $4-$5K for a new engine.

Cadillac has stuck the unwitting consumer with Aluminum engines since 1982. They knew what would happen to this style engine 28 years ago under overheating conditions. The only thing that has been changed is the cubic inch displacement-4.1, 4.5, 4.9, Northstar, still the same inherent problems. Isn't that nice?

I know and love these cars. I have owned over 20 and I know once you have a overheating problem with one of these engines, the car turns from nice into a money funnel you may never recover from.

What you need to do is get the car to a service center so they can do a pressure check. Once the bad hoses are replaced, you need to know if the block is cracked, if a freeze plug is no good or what else potentially is the leak(s).

I answer on average of 2 questions a week on Cadillac cooling system and overheating problems. Please look in my archives on this site.

This is not like the new Viagra commercial showing some idiot in his 60' Camaro with the temp gauge pegged at the red. You do not have a cast iron engine.


If my answer has assisted you, please rate it.

Thanks