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Topic: coolant leak

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems

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coolant leak (1/12)
10/26/12 8:26pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

The problem I am having is there is a small amount of coolant on the floor behind the front right wheel area of my 1969 427 with a/c . I had the heater core and hot water valve replaced. Could it be a heater hose loose? Is my coolant system too full and it blew out when the engine got hot? What is the correct level for the coolant in the expansion tank? It is the long style tank. Thanks, Bob

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Re: coolant leak (2/12)
10/26/12 10:17pm

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
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Depends...can you tell if the leak is dripping straight down, or is it running down the frame, and dripping off there?
A leak in that area would certainly suggest a heater core/hose leak, but...it could also be the overflow tank leaking, and running down the frame until it gets to the lowest part of the frame, which happens to be right where you see the coolant on the floor.

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Re: coolant leak (3/12)
10/26/12 10:53pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

Thanks for the information. I will look at the frame area and try to determine where fluid is coming from.

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Re: coolant leak (4/12)
10/27/12 3:27pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

I have checked under the car and see that the coolant is leaking down from some area and collecting under the frame and then dripping on the floor. It is a small amount. The expansion tank is in good shape, no signs of leaks. hoses look good and tight.The level of coolant in the tank is about half way. What is the correct level?

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Re: coolant leak (5/12)
10/27/12 4:08pm

Adams' Apple

Sounds like the leak is probably from a heater hose...perhaps when the core was installed, the clamps were not tightened enough. Hopefully it is not the new core leaking. Might take a mirror and a light to look up in and around the hoses and get a better look.

As far as the level in the tank, I think 1/2 full is correct, but I do not know for sure. Perhaps someone here with an Owner's Manual could look and see what the proper level is.

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Re: coolant leak (6/12)
10/27/12 4:36pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

Thanks, I will take another look at the hoses. Hopefully it is just an overfilled tank that has overflowed . The level cold is about 1/2 way down. I will monitor the leak. I can take it back to the mechanic if it does not get better.

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Re: coolant leak (7/12)
10/27/12 10:27pm

rod7515

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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic

Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

do you see this leak each time you drive your car? Have you started it and let it run and watched for the drip to appear? Does it only leak after its turned off and it sits? I have seen many cars that will only leak after they run and are turned off during the cool down they may drip. My guess would be a hose needs tightened but it could also be that the new valve could leak. Sounds as tho your going to have to start it up and spend time checking it until you narrow it down. I think you will be ok as far as the heater core since the leak is outside the car to the floor.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
Rodney

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Re: coolant leak (8/12)
10/27/12 10:52pm

Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Pressure test the system...that should tell you where the leak is coming from.

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Re: coolant leak (9/12)
10/27/12 11:06pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

I appreciate all the good advice. I will let you know when i find the leak and how I fix it

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Re: coolant leak (10/12)
11/6/12 10:34pm

rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed

Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

Finally got the car to my mechanic and he found a hose clamp loose on one hose going to the heater core. I will monitor the area and hope the problem is fixed.

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Re: coolant leak (11/12)
11/6/12 11:10pm

Adams' Apple

Kewl! I figured it would be something like that, since you had all of that work done. Good to hear! Clap

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Re: coolant leak (12/12)
11/7/12 3:39pm

KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

Vette(s):
White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.

Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

I have had a few coolant leaks begin right around this time of year when the cold weather begins to settle in. (Mine spends winter in an unheated garage.) I think the rubber hoses contract just a bit and allow a leak to start.

A few times I have solved this problem with snugging down on a hose clamp.

You just gotta love those easy fixes!

Kevin

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