Coolant Leak, but not wet inside rear trunk

[spg356]

Hi All,

I've searched the archives for about a half hour but could not find a clear cut answer.

After a 30 minute drive today I found that I have a coolant leak, maybe a quart or less, at the right rear of the car ('98 5 speed). The temp never got over 190. I immediately thought expansion resevoir, so I removed the trunk carpeting to find the cap tight, the trunk and resevoir dry and the coolant level between max and min. It does have the old .00 cap, so I will get that changed tuesday. I looked underneath the car and saw a small coolant drip from the right side exaust.

That is everything I know :o so does anyone know what I should do next?

Thanks!

[Loren]

It is either the tank or the hose connecting to the bottom of the tank then.

[spg356]

It is either the tank or the hose connecting to the bottom of the tank then.

Thanks for the info Loren.

It was also suggested by someone that it may be the old style cap. I put the (same) cap back on tightly, took the car out for a drive and parked it. The temp never rose above normal and there were no leaks this time. I am getting a new cap tuesday.

If it stopped leaking, does that rule out the hose connecting the bottom of the tank?

Thanks again

[Loren]

Well you will know soon enough. If the new cap fixes the coolant loss then you are one of the lucky ones.

[spg356]

Well you will know soon enough. If the new cap fixes the coolant loss then you are one of the lucky ones.

Thanks again Loren :) , I hope I am!

[1schoir]

Well you will know soon enough. If the new cap fixes the coolant loss then you are one of the lucky ones.

Thanks again Loren :) , I hope I am!

Keep in mind that if your trunk carpeting is not getting wet, but you are nonetheless getting a coolant puddle under the car, inside the passenger's side rear wheel, your "faulty" cap may just be leaking enough to let the coolant go down the drain hole located under the small plastic cover that hides the pressure relief assembly.

You can check by prying up that little cover.

Regards, Maurice.

[spg356]

Keep in mind that if your trunk carpeting is not getting wet, but you are nonetheless getting a coolant puddle under the car, inside the passenger's side rear wheel, your "faulty" cap may just be leaking enough to let the coolant go down the drain hole located under the small plastic cover that hides the pressure relief assembly.

You can check by prying up that little cover.

Regards, Maurice.

Maurice,

I took the car to a competent indy shop and they deduced that it was the cap. They found residue at the overflow line but none at the water pump, expansion tank or hoses.

I think I lucked out! New cap is on (part # ends in .02) and all is well, for now...

Thanks