Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

[Joey41]

So I have two issues that happened at the same time.

1 - The AC went out, I am sure there is a leak as we re-charged the system and it was empty according to my gauge 4 hours later. Sucks, but I'll drive with the windows down and bake in the Texas heat...

2 - Coolant leak, last week I started running a bit hot. I added about a half a jug of coolant yesterday and it has been doing better. I noticed when searching for a possible freon leak last week that the lower passenger side of my engine was wet. Before I knew my coolant was leaking I thought it was freon, or oil from the ac system spraying out. So my question is does anybody know of what could be leaking on the lower passenger side of the engine?

It's a 97 Camaro, I replaced Upper & Lower intake manifold gaskets within the past year, have not seen any milkshake oil.

My fear is the head gasket has failed, but wouldn't that cause oil/watery mix in my oil?

Appreciate any suggestions or help.

[ssms5411]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

Hose not on all the way on the lower return hose which is on the bottom of the pass. side. drain not fully closed , causing antifrezze to leak out, hole in radiator hose, pin size hole in plastic side of the radiator (common) on plastic end tanks. Other than that if its a M5 with a new radiator with tranny cooler connections , internal leak from inside the radiator coming out the tranny holes. Or your cap is defective and is leaking out of it. The reserve overflow line could have a hole in it and antifrezzze will come out. Also the overflow tank.

I see you said engine, so it could be the elbow behind the ALT. leaking, heater hoses leaking where the connections are on the tensionor that about it unless the heads or intakes are leaking.

[Joey41]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

It is not anything from the front of the engine. I have already ruled out the regular culprits - radiator, radiator cap, hoses, 90 degree elbow near alternator, heater hoses.

This is on the lower part of the engine behind where the ac compressor is. The more I think about it he more I am thinking again that maybe it was freon and ac oil spraying out as the ac hoses are close by. I guess it is possible that my coolant was just low and the first week of 100 degree weather made it stand out more. I have not seen any coolant loss the past 2 days since adding coolant.

Going to get under there today and see if it is still wet down there and then check again in a few days.

[ssms5411]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

Get some engine degressor and clean up the lower part , then you will know for sure where it is leaking or not leaking, good luck , for your sake I hope it was just left over freon oil.

[Joey41]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

ssms5411 - so I was checking out your 96 camaro through the link you have in your signature - Very Nice

Wish I would have seen those heater hose adapters about 5 years ago, I had to pay around $150 to get the whole damn assembly from GM...

[Rob Bell]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

Once you get the engine degreased down there, put some more freon in the AC and run it and see if that's where your leak is. Once you have it diagnosed, it's not that hard to fix yourself.

[Joey41]

Re: Coolant leak lower passenger side of engine

That is my plan, just not looking forward to melting in this North Texas heat to do it... Maybe this weekend though.