Need help in diagnosis

[Matt2]

I drive a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (5.2L V8) and when I went on break at work today, I was greeted by a huge puddle of coolant under my car. I popped the hood and both the reservior and the radiator were bone dry.

I couldnt see where it was leaking from, but when I popped the hood there was no visible coolant on the engine or around any of the hoses that I could see.

I dumped 1 1/2 gallons of distilled water into the reservoir and radiator and I made it home ok. Also, 20 minutes after I got home I checked under the car and there was no fluid and the reservoir is still at the same level as when I put the water in.

What do you guys think? A hose I can't see? Cracked radiator? Any way I can reliably find out myself without taking it to Dodge and having them pressure test it?

Life sucks.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Well, 1.5 gallons isn't near the capacity of your cooling system.

Since the fluid you added didn't leak out on the drive home that rules out a busted hose. The first thing I'd check is the radiator cap. Next I'd pressure test the cooling system. Let us know the results.

Edit-Why the hell would you take it to Dodge? Good god man, find a decent mechanic that won't lie to you...god knows the dealership won't give you that kind of respect.

 

[akshatp]

Curious: Where did you get the distilled water from?

Like JM said, It cant be a hose if you made it home and the 1.5 gallons is still in the system. Did you by any chance check your fluids prior to the leak occurring? You might have left the cap loose or not put it on right.

Other than that, you might have a small hole in the radiator or tank where its coming out.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: akshatp
Curious: Where did you get the distilled water from?

Like JM said, It cant be a hose if you made it home and the 1.5 gallons is still in the system. Did you by any chance check your fluids prior to the leak occurring? You might have left the cap loose or not put it on right.

Other than that, you might have a small hole in the radiator or tank where its coming out.

you can buy distilled water in gallon bottles from supermarkets.

 

[LTC8K6]

Heater hose? And you didn't turn the heat on on the way home?

Sounds weird to me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
Heater hose? And you didn't turn the heat on on the way home?

Sounds weird to me.

He lives in Los Angeles.

 

[LTC8K6]

Hey, I took a shot...

 

[zoiks]

I had the same thing happen to my Nissan 240sx. The problem was the water pump that was leaking. It wasn't very obvious however. I had the car towed to my mechanic who changed the pump for $30.

Edit. Oh yah, this happened when I was on the freeway halfway to work. So you never know.