Coolant leaking from engine block

[robgonz]

I have a 98 3800 camaro with almost 91k. My car almost over heated on me today and I had to pull over before it did. I let it cooldown and checked the coolant level which was really low and noticed that there is a leak that looks like it is coming out of the front of the block. I noticed it on the belt and then ran it and saw it was almost pouring out from under the block. I checked the radiator hoses where they connect to the engine and they were sealed well. Any ideas where the leak could be coming from and how to fix it, hopefully without spending too much.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

The small plastic elbow behind the tensioner pully assembly.

[97rs4life]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

waterpump giving out would be my guess

[cam98aro]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

prolly the waterpump gasets

[robgonz]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

If it is the water pump or gaskets would it still cool the engine? If I fill the radiator the car will cool the engine at the right temp until the coolant leaks out. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Gonz

[vanbibber]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

no, if the water pump is toast there wont be coolant flowing thru the motor.

[98 3.8]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

It's the plastic coolant elbow attached to the waterpump.

[Choppers]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

mine was a intake gasket. it was right above the waterpump.

[crushedout]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

The small plastic elbow behind the tensioner pully assembly.

Yup, if the car sits it wont leak, then it runs and leaks. When I had to replace mine the only parts store that carried it was pep boys or the dealer. It was only a few bucks at pep boys. I've had to replace it a few times at that.

[Summer99]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

exactly wats wrong with mine..they have the kit at oreillys..Gonna go pick it up now.. Does anyone know how to do this??? im hoping this fixes my problem and i dont have to tear apart half my engine or take it somewhere. Is there a how too guide?? mine only leaks when you first crank it up too and my engine bay smells of antifreeze

[Summer99]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

i have a 150,000 miles on my car i knew something was bound to happen. i just hope its nothing serious. Crushedout, was the job a biatch to do?? could you explain wat you did??

[Summer99]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

picked up the plastic elbow peices today. Its was $3.57 no idea how to put them on but i guess its trail and error..lets hope that 3 bucks fixes my prob

[98 3.8]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

It's pretty easy, Summer. Basically take off the water pump. Once you get the water pump off (try not to break the elbows, I broke off the tip of mine into the lower intake manifold) it's right there, attached to the pump housing. It's pretty simple and you just need a socket set IIRC.

[robgonz]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

Thanks everyone I am gonna go look for the parts tonight and try and put it on tomorrow after work. I'll update everyone on how I did and how it worked then.
-Gonz

[98 3.8]

Re: Coolant leaking from engine block

Lol...ironically, my elbow seems to have broken again too. I'll be replacing mine tonight as well. :p