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Slow coolant leak

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    Slow coolant leak

    Recently I discovered that I was significantly low on coolant (empty overflow container) and did not experience any overheating (92 LX). Did not notice any coolant leak on the driveway either. Did see what appears to be coolant wetness under oil pan. I'm obviously concerned about it being a head gasket issue. Spoke to a buddy of mine who's into 92 Integras and mentioned to me he had a head gasket issue that after re-torquing fixed his problem. Is this something I can do for my 92 LX? What else should I be checking for when I have a slow coolant leak - not noticeable on local driving. More noticeable after highway driving. Thanks.

    #2
    Originally posted by ly7244 View Post
    Recently I discovered that I was significantly low on coolant (empty overflow container) and did not experience any overheating (92 LX). Did not notice any coolant leak on the driveway either. Did see what appears to be coolant wetness under oil pan. I'm obviously concerned about it being a head gasket issue. Spoke to a buddy of mine who's into 92 Integras and mentioned to me he had a head gasket issue that after re-torquing fixed his problem. Is this something I can do for my 92 LX? What else should I be checking for when I have a slow coolant leak - not noticeable on local driving. More noticeable after highway driving. Thanks.
    Most of the time head gasket issues turn up as coolant leaking into the oil, rather than just leaking out onto the ground. If you havent messed with the head or anything recently, it is unlikely that it "loosened up" to suddenly start leaking.

    It is more likely that one of the old rubber hoses is leaking from one of the connection points. There are a couple hoses behind/under the intake manifold that are not easy to see or inspect, and they slowly get roasted by the exhaust and hot engine. If the radiator is old, it might also be leaking from one of the seals along the edges. Or possibly from the paper gasket seals used for the Thermostat and Intake manifold.

    Since it is happening slowly, take multiple opportunities to stop and look and try to see if you can identify spots that look wet. If you can, jack it up and look at the hoses near the oil filter.

    There is also UV Dye that you can add to your coolant, which stains the area that the coolant is coming from, so you can use a uv inspection light to identify exactly where it is coming from. Cheap and easy to help pin it down.

    If you REALLY cant identify it, you can perform a Compression test, or have a mechanic perform a Leakdown test to be certain that the cylinders are still sealed well - then just start replacing anything rubber


    - 1993 Accord LX - White sedan (sold)
    - 1993 Accord EX - White sedan (wrecked)
    - 1991 Accord EX - White sedan (sold)
    - 1990 Accord EX - Grey sedan (sold)
    - 1993 Accord EX - White sedan (sold)
    - 1992 Accord EX - White coupe (sold)
    - 1993 Accord EX - Grey coupe (stolen)
    - 1993 Accord SE - Gold coupe (sold)
    Current cars:
    - 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon - Daily driver
    - 2004 Chevrolet Express AWD - Camper conversion

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      #3
      In addition to what mike said, you could also park over some cardboard. Cardboard should show signs of wet rs even after it’s dry. Let the engine idle a while, maybe go for a quick drive to get everything up to temp. You should be able to see evidence of leaking coolant if it’s an external leak.
      If the leak is internal, you should notice white smoke from the tailpipe, and the exhaust will have a sweet smell to it. Again, take a drive to get it warmed up, then have someone drive the car by you. Try normal driving, and low gear driving to get the RPMs up. Look for smoke. Then smell near the tailpipe at idle, and have a friend rev it a bit as you do.






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        #4
        Look under the oil cap and see if it appears milky brown. If not you're probably safe to assume not a head gasket. I'm guessing one of the small lines under the manifold.

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