Hi guys. I noticed a puddle of coolant under my car yesterday. The reservoir level was down to the MIN line so i refilled it. At first I thought it was the water pump since the puddle was on the passenger side. But now I'm not so sure. This morning I didn't see a puddle but there was still coolant missing. Any ideas? Thanks everyone

 

From what I've read, it's usually either the water pump or thermostat housing..

 

Yeah that's what I thought at first but now coolant is missing but no puddles. Could it be going into the oil?

 

Check your oil, is it milky in color? From what I've read, if it's a slow leak sometimes it just puddles on top of the transmission.

 

Oil color looks good from what I can see on the dip stick but it's such a thin coat that is hard to tell. I'll check the transmission. Thanks!

Also I removed my turbo heatshield and noticed some oil on the turbo, near the turbo oil line. Is it normal to leak some oil? Or should it be oil free?

 

I had similar symptoms a few months ago: a puddle sometimes and mysterious low levels without puddles. Turned out it was a cracked thermostat housing. Maybe it leaks differently depending on how hot it gets and how it cools off?
I got the Harbor Freight pressure tester to find the leak and it was well worth it to save time.

 

Thanks for the info. It's hard for me to replicate the issue because I currently don't drive the car everyday. I just noticed the puddle when I made the 40 mile drive to visit my parents for the weekend.

 

Passenger side coolant leak is either courtesy of the thermostat (passenger side of the engine block, on top of the transmission) ~90% of the time, or a leaking coolant line ~10%.

They usually go at around 60K miles, +/- 10K.
They all do it.

It's a straight forward DIY job, if you are so inclined.

a

 

Not normal, but another "they all do it"
You are looking at leaking turbo high-pressure oil feed line. It will go from oil dampness, to misting, to actively smoking and burning. Replace early with DT tuned kit to avoid the last 2 stages.

More here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-oil-line.html

a

 

Thanks! Yeah I took it to the shop to get the oil line done today. Cost me $550 =[. And it turns out the leak was the thermostat. Like you said, leaking on the transmission. I just graduated from college and am working on some debt so I couldn't afford to get that fixed in addition to the oil line. I'll have to just keep topping it off with Zerex and break out the bentley manual when I get the chance.

I read about the Detroit tuned oil line. No rubber o-rings so less prone to fail right? Unfortunately I needed to fix it quick so I couldn't wait. Afraid of fire. Wish I had the chance to order it online and have the shop install it though.

Thanks again for the info!

 

Sorry just saw this, yes the turbo line is linked above, the coolant will first drip on the transmission housing then flow off the back when there is enough coolant to spill over the pooling. Here is all areas to check while you are there, so you don't overheat / leak down the road. I replaced mine with the updated thermostat unit and its been smooth ever since.

Also with the DIY linked if you tackle it yourself or have an independent do it. You don't want to overheat the engine.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-no-heat.html



thanks