mrcow32
Member
Hello all,
I was hoping I might get some insight as to whether I have 2 coolant leaks or 1. Allow me to explain...
About 2-3 months ago I noticed a slight coolant leak at the waterpump. After doing some searching, I've seen it's not terribly uncommon that the gaskets surrounding the waterpump begin to leak and need replacing. The leak was very slow and very slight at first, so I figured I would wait a little while to save up some money before replacing the waterpump and gaskets (I know, I know, shame on me, but I'm strapped for cash).
Lately the leak has become bigger, to where I might need to top off the coolant reservoir with coolant every 3 days or so. I also noticed smoke coming from the driver's side firewall, that snaked through the back of the hood, with the sweet smell of coolant. Makes my car look like it's on fire when I come to a standstill. Not the impression I want to give drivers sitting beside me.
After doing some investigating, it's coming from one of the cats. It looks like dropped coolant is being burned off whenever the cats get hot (I.E. heavy throttle), and though it's in the middle, closer to the passenger side than the driver side, it snakes around the back of the engine and comes out the driver side when it smokes. So the leak is not really from the driver's side.
So my question is this - is the smoking coolant off of the cat a byproduct of the leaky waterpump getting worse, or are there some hoses back there that might be leaking as well? I have pictures I can upload if the location of the smoke confuses anyone, but it deceptively seems to come from the driverside firewall when it really comes from one of the cats below.
Anyways, thanks in advance for the replies. And yes, I did already buy the waterpump, which I'm going to install ASAP.
I just want to see if that's all I'm going to have to be replacing, or if I'll be hose hunting as well.
I was hoping I might get some insight as to whether I have 2 coolant leaks or 1. Allow me to explain...
About 2-3 months ago I noticed a slight coolant leak at the waterpump. After doing some searching, I've seen it's not terribly uncommon that the gaskets surrounding the waterpump begin to leak and need replacing. The leak was very slow and very slight at first, so I figured I would wait a little while to save up some money before replacing the waterpump and gaskets (I know, I know, shame on me, but I'm strapped for cash).
Lately the leak has become bigger, to where I might need to top off the coolant reservoir with coolant every 3 days or so. I also noticed smoke coming from the driver's side firewall, that snaked through the back of the hood, with the sweet smell of coolant. Makes my car look like it's on fire when I come to a standstill. Not the impression I want to give drivers sitting beside me.
After doing some investigating, it's coming from one of the cats. It looks like dropped coolant is being burned off whenever the cats get hot (I.E. heavy throttle), and though it's in the middle, closer to the passenger side than the driver side, it snakes around the back of the engine and comes out the driver side when it smokes. So the leak is not really from the driver's side.
So my question is this - is the smoking coolant off of the cat a byproduct of the leaky waterpump getting worse, or are there some hoses back there that might be leaking as well? I have pictures I can upload if the location of the smoke confuses anyone, but it deceptively seems to come from the driverside firewall when it really comes from one of the cats below.
Anyways, thanks in advance for the replies. And yes, I did already buy the waterpump, which I'm going to install ASAP.
I just want to see if that's all I'm going to have to be replacing, or if I'll be hose hunting as well.
