damnit, i hate cars

[MaxDSP]

damn coolant is leaking AGAIN, this time the hose has a small leak, or so I think. First time I got it fixed was like 1.5 years ago, when I had the tranny rebuilt, second time was like 6 months ago. Now the damn hose is going.

actually, you decide what the problem is. Ive got a 93 3.5L Intrepid with 112,500 miles. when I parked my car, I saw some smoke emanating from underneath the hood. when I checked it out, I couldnt really see a physical leak of coolant leaking, I just saw the splattered coolant turning into smoke. It could have been from the hose that right behind the radiator, since the smoke was centered around there. I should mention that my dad put some leak sealing compound garbage in there like a week ago that trned the green coolant into a brown "sludge". Maybe thats the problem? As far as the temp gauge is concerened, it showed normal temp range, right between the hot and cold.

BTW, what exactly does the temp gauge measure? The engine temp, the oil temp, or the coolant temp? Logical reasoning would say the oil temperature, rite?

 

[Dark4ng3l]

I FOUND YOUR PROBLEM!!!


<< Ive got a 93 3.5L Intrepid >>

 

[MaxDSP]

<< I FOUND YOUR PROBLEM!!!


<< Ive got a 93 3.5L Intrepid >>

>>



yes, unfortunately, I did not have a say in the buying decision.

I told my dad to go with a Toyota or a Honda, if only he wasnt so hardheaded

 

[desertdweller]

The temp sensor measures water temperature. The hose itself may be leaking but those
engines are also notorious for leaking at the waterpump and behind the large aluminum plate
that is behind the timing belt. If you find the hose isn't leaking, best bet is to take it to the
dealer and have them look at it as without the right tools, you cannot get the plate out to
get to the o-ring to replace it. Plan on being charged 6 or so hours for replacement if that is
where the leak is.


DD

 

[MaxDSP]

as far as the leak goes, how harmful is it to the engine components? It was splattered over the timing belt, raiator, and whatever was right under the hose.

 

[JC]

Spilled on the timing belt? Or do you mean the accessory drive belt? Coolant on the accessory drive belt may make it noisy, but it won't hurt it.

 

[desertdweller]

If it was just the hose, then its no big deal. Just replace the hose and you might consider
flushing the system since the anti-leak stuff was added. That stuff can cause overheating
during the summer. Spray out the engine compartment at a car wash or you'll be smelling
that anti-freeze for the next week or so.

{edit} If you can't see the water leaking out, get it pressure tested to make sure, with a
pressure tester you'll be able to see it running out when you pressurise the system.


DD

 

[MaxDSP]

<< Spilled on the timing belt? Or do you mean the accessory drive belt? Coolant on the accessory drive belt may make it noisy, but it won't hurt it. >>



hmmm, I'm not actually sure which belt it was. The belt I'm talking about was in between the radiator and the engine. How do I differentiate? Or is it some other kind of belt?

 

[desertdweller]

you can't see the timing belt without taking the front of the engine apart, thats why if it
was just the hose, its no big deal. But like i say, those engines are notorious for leaking
elsewhere, so just keep an eye on it.


DD

 

[MaxDSP]

<< you can't see the timing belt without taking the front of the engine apart, thats why if it
was just the hose, its no big deal. But like i say, those engines are notorious for leaking
elsewhere, so just keep an eye on it.


DD >>



the coolant was leaking on some kind of belt though. wouldnt the coolant reduce the friction on the belt, whatever it may be?

damn dodge engines. I shouldnt take Al Bundy's advice anymore