Have done a few searches, come to the conclusion a heater hose is leaking. Big puddle under passenger side, water dripping down under bellhousing area. A bit of steam coming up above the heater etc. under the hood, but I couldn't see from above where the coolant is leaking from.

The car runs fine, clean exhaust, was just parking it, noticed a bit of steam and the leak. Popped the hood, could hear a bit of steam hissing, and kind of a leaking hose sound. I had put on the defroster for a few minutes, was on when it happened.

Question, how best to troubleshoot and find the leak?

I will be looking under the car tomorrow in the daylight, but any advice on how best to get to the hoses etc. is appreciated.

 

Pressure test the cooling system. Most quality radiator shops or a good mechanical / repair shop should be able to test your system and help you pinpoint the leak.

 

Found it, thanks! Noticed coolant pooling on top of the intake manifold, took off the aircleaner, and could see coolant squirting out of the water hose that connects to the back of the manifold. Cut off the bad part of the hose (will get a new one this week) and turned it around, so the end that hadn't been exposed to as much heat would be on the manifold, used a screw type clamp to replace the OE type pinch clamp and presto! Smooth running motor, no more leak.

Amazing how much coolant can come from such a small leak, and the location, under plug wires and the open element, hid the source, so all I saw was water pouring out the bottom of the car. Thanks again!

 

Great!

 

Thanks again. Also, read somewhere that it's good to run the heater now and again, even in the summer, to get the antirust additives in the antifreeze circulating through the heater core, adds to it's longevity. Anyone else do the same?

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