[WannaCorrado]

My coolant is disappearing at a rapid rate! And it only does it when the car is warmed up! In the last 2 days, I added almost a whole gallon of Antifreeze to the car..
I don't think its the head gasket, since there isn't any smoke. I thought its the thermostat housing (since there is some wet spots where it meets the engine.. So I ordered the whole set to change it - but today I noticed something different...
I had the engine somewhat warmed up and was looking under the hood - I saw light smoke coming from the very front of the car - looked like from a radiator, from behind the fans - but I could not see exactly where it originated from. It smells like coolant, so I'm pretty sure I found the real leak.
So, could my problem be a cracked radiator (and if so, why does it leak only when its hot???). Should I still change my thermostat housing since I already have it??
thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Action Jackson]

Re: Coolant leak - BAD! - not headgasket, what could it be? (WannaCorrado)

I would imagine that if a slight crack in the rad core was the problem, then it might only show itself when things get hot, which allows that crack to expand, which allows coolant to leak out

do you see where I am going here? I hope so!
Anyway, to check the termo housing for a leak, take the car for a run and make it good and hot, then bring her home and park it over a clean piece of cardboard or somthing. Make sure the cardboard is right under the termo housing. Leave it for a bit then come back and check for spots! Simple enough, and that should show you if the leak exists there...

Good luck, cuz thats Action Jackson's 2 cents. If in doubt, have a

 

[v b chil-n]

Re: Coolant leak - BAD! - not headgasket, what could it be? (Action Jackson)

my thermostat housing leaks and it shows no sign on the floor
the pink stuff dries up before it gets to the floor
the top of my gear box looks like pink goop
if its the housing you can just look at it to see if its leaking
hot or not

 

[CarlosFL]

Re: Coolant leak - BAD! - not headgasket, what could it be? (WannaCorrado)

Try reving the motor while under the hood and look for the leak that way. Rev it pretty high (3-4K) and the additional pressure should make that leak appear.
It may be as simple as a leaky coolant line.
Good luck.

 

[96passatowner]

Re: Coolant leak - BAD! - not headgasket, what could it be? (WannaCorrado)

I had a thermostat housing replaced. I was losing coolant and could not find the leak anywhere. I thought I had a bad head gasket and while the dealer was under my car doing an oil change and under body inspection they found the leak. Is'nt there a coolant temp sensor also that could leak?