Expert: Rob Painter - 1/5/2011

Question
In 08 shop replaced the radiator, water pump, 2 belts,drive belt tension assembly, and idler pulley at 172k miles on car (engine and transmission about 50K miles).  About a month ago got check coolant so I added some and have been noticing some coolant under car at random times before and after this.  A few days ago got check level again, I added about a half gallon of straight antifreeze and drove it home about 20 miles and it didn't get over 212.  I was looking for a leak the next day and the drive belt was squealing which it had been for months so I did my normal fix a little belt dressing and it didn't help much this time and the smaller belt on the other side of the engine started squealing too even louder.  So I shut it off. Next day started and no noise. Drove it about 20 miles to get belts and it smelled hot by the time I got there I think belts.  Limped it home never got over 212 or noises. It sat for a few hours no leaks under the car. I moved it into garage to change belts and got the drive belt changed.  Then I started trying to change the short belt and noticed it was dripping almost a stream of coolant from near the back of the engine. I went under and looked like somewhere above the cross member brace. Glad I was under there because the hood support struts gave out and smashed my light...better than my head for sure. So how to proceed from here? My experience level is 32 years of driving cars and replacing starters, belts, oil filters, a couple radiators, I have time than money these days.  Thank you Mike

Answer
Hello,


First, you don't have to over heat (although that is the most common reason for blown head Gasket failure). Parts fail! Now, you need to be isolating the leak and make sure it is not being seen on the back side because of a hose leaking above it.

You did not say the region you are from. In Texas we are at 60 and can the engine off with water. If you are from a region like where I am from in Northern Wisconsin the temp is -0- you need someone with a warm building to clean the engine off.  It would be better if you could have someone install a pressure tester to the cooling system and if the leak is as bad as you say, it will spray out at the exact location.

There is not much on the back of the engine that would not be a major problem. Leaking intake, leaking head, leaking freeze plug, block.

If you want you can send me a pic of the leak and I might be able to give you some ideas.

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