coolant leak maybe?

dreammobile · 06-01-2010, 08:42 PM

Looked through all the threads and didnt see anything. Has anyone had coolant drip comeing from somewhere below the heater core( i think ) cannot pin point the location as it is burried. At first I thought it was condensation from the ac unit , but it seems to happen when I use the heater or ac. Its not rally significant now but maybe 1/4 cup after I stop. Havent noticied a drop in the coolant level yet.

TwinStick · 06-01-2010, 11:08 PM

It should be easy to tell the difference. Anti-freeze will feel slippery/greasy to the touch & have a smell to it. Condensation is just water & should not smell (except maybe a little musty) & should not feel slippery or greasy.

NRL · 06-02-2010, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreammobile

Looked through all the threads and didnt see anything. Has anyone had coolant drip comeing from somewhere below the heater core( i think ) cannot pin point the location as it is burried. At first I thought it was condensation from the ac unit , but it seems to happen when I use the heater or ac. Its not rally significant now but maybe 1/4 cup after I stop. Havent noticied a drop in the coolant level yet.

Did you measure your coolant level from the overflow container?
I had two similar leaks
One turned out to be that extra long tube that winds down and up to the coolant overflow container, replaced and the leak disappeared. My leak ran down on the drivers side to one of the Quigley arms and dripped from there..

The other was not greenish but was an small oil leak caused by a cheap oil filter that leaked, and also ended up micro dripping from the driver side Quigley arms..

saline · 06-02-2010, 08:29 AM

What engine, year etc.?

dreammobile · 06-04-2010, 08:41 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. Its a 6.0 2005 quigley. Just got it, runnin great. I think its not coolant water as its oderless and tasteless (ya I tasted it) but if anyone thinks different let me know. thanks

EMrider · 06-04-2010, 08:54 AM

I recall hearing that using the heater engages the consendor too.......
R

Seattle · 06-04-2010, 10:00 PM

I have new purchased (used) 2006 6.0 PSD and have noticed a "leak" after driving on the passenger side, it is odorless and appears to be water? I am assuming its from the condenser, but would be curious if you found out anything else.

Icebox · 06-05-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle

I have new purchased (used) 2006 6.0 PSD and have noticed a "leak" after driving on the passenger side, it is odorless and appears to be water? I am assuming its from the condenser, but would be curious if you found out anything else.

If it's clear and not colored, it's probably just condensation from the A/C. Drive a controlled distance (I.E. to the store or something) with the A/C off and then check. Drive home with the A/C on and then check again.

My early SMB (88 7.3 IDI Diesel) gets very little condensation going with A/C on, where as my daily driver 90 Nissan Pickup (with dealer installed aftermarket air) will tend to leave an almost football sized condensation puddle even after a shortish 5 mile trip with the A/C maxed.

My SMB on a cold start however, will weep out a small amount of coolant (not enough to make it to the ground usually) out of misc hoses until it warms enough to open the thermostat. Tightening said hoses has diminished it but it is still there. When it is warm, the leaks go away completely.

dreammobile · 06-06-2010, 10:20 AM

Rad, thanks everyone I think EMrider nailed it, as it happens with either the a/c or heater on 1/2 to 3/4 hot thanks again