Another coolant issue

[jutt26]

Ok, so let me give a brief history of the car/issue.

I drive the 95 maro (3.4L) very little (about 4,000 miles last year). It normally drives to the airport and sits all week.

I noticed it 'trying' to over heat in early January on the way home from the airport. I say trying since the guage never read over 210, however i thought it was very weird with the weather cold and driving at highway speeds. I got home, turned off the car filled the radiator with fluid. My driveway has a slope to it and with the car parked nose down, the coolant leaked onto the driveway from the area around the water pump (or it appeared). With 128k on the clock, I assumed it was time to replace the water pump/gasket/thermostat anyways. Did it and filled the radiator back up over the past month (I drove my SS during the down time).

This time (not thinking about it) I parked nose up on the driveway after replacing all of this. Well, no more coolant on the driveway and thought I was set. I got in the car this morning and my carpet was wet in the drivers side rear floorboard (the lowest spot of the car due to the slope of the driveway). And the coolant level is low/out.

My immediate thought now is that the leak is actually the heater core or the hoses connecting it.

So, heres my question(s):

1. How much of a PITA is the heater core to replace? (I havent had time to look).
2. Why would I get leaking both inside and outside of the car?
3. Am i thinking correctly that its the heater core?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Archer]

Re: Another coolant issue

wet floor, heater core.

thats all I know.. sorry man, Im dealing with my cooling system as we speak as well as my girls explorer's cooling system
Archer

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: Another coolant issue

Could be the hoses to the heater core. the connection spot or there an acual hole in the core. there are NOT fun to replace. but its do-able. have lots of patients.

[Slave One]

Re: Another coolant issue

... have lots of patients.

Preferably patients who can help... lol, j/k

Definetly something internally related to the heater core, be it a hole in the actual core itself or a hose.

If you havent done so already, I highly suggest the Chilton's Manual from your favorite auto parts house, step by step instructions for the whole job...

Some people dont like the Chilton's or Haynes manual for various reasons, but its MUCH better than going in blind, plus you can read ahead and prepare yourself for the full job.

[Slave One]

Re: Another coolant issue

Reading over your post again... you could definetly also have 2 leaks, though not as likely...

hmmm.... maybe even where the hose goes into the firewall, at different angles could leak either into the car or outside it...

[bigbrian442]

Re: Another coolant issue

If your water pump was leaking, you weren't building enough pressure in the cooling system for the heater core to leak too. Once you replaced the water pump, The coolant found the next easiest way out and onto the floor of your car.

[landj]

Re: Another coolant issue

Summer is coming up. Could bypass the heater core until you have more time on your hands. Will also let you know if anything else is leaking.

[jutt26]

Re: Another coolant issue

thanks guys for the info.

To answer some of the thoughts.

landj, yes I could bypass it, however Im thinking it may be time to sell her, so I would prefer to fix the leak correctly. My girlfriend and I have been talking about the future and an SUV may be in it for her. (I think after a couple of beers I may have agreed to marry her the other night...:spank: )

big brian, yes quite a possibilty. I never would have thought that way.

Slave...who is the doctor? After replacing the water pump (having to move the ps pump and all the coils), patience on this car runs deep.

Thanks Heady and Archer too.

Would there be any reason to replace the heater core and not the hoses? From what Ive researched (very briefly), the hoses only add $20-30 and would be a relatively inexpensive insurance policy?

[jutt26]

Re: Another coolant issue

ok, an update...some good news and some bad.

I replaced the heater core (wasnt that hard but those hose clamps were a PITA)

no more leaking inside the car.

I still have a leak however, It is actually coming from the timing cover? The leak is behind the left bolt (passenger side) of the water pump at the front of the engine block. PLEASE NOTE, this is not at the water pump gasket, it is at the block.

So my questions are numerous at this point and I need some help with them.

1. Am I correct that this is the location of the timing cover gasket? If so, does coolant go through the actaul timing cover through a passage from the heads to the water pump? Oil has no coolant in it btw.
2. If thats the case, this may be quickly getting to the point that its more than I want to do myself. How much would a mechanic charge? (I'll call this week, but I wanted to see if anyone has had this done).
3. With the intention of selling the car, should I just list the car with the issue and reduce the price? (BTW, anyone looking for a 95 3.4?). If so, PM me and I will send pics.

Thanks in advance for the advice.