The RIGHT Way to Find A Coolant Leak!
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- The Miata has been getting its coolant topped off lately from a small leak that we have not yet been able to find. Time to bring out the tools and actually find and solve the problem!
TOOLS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Master Coolant Pressure Tester Set - amzn.to/2UWdfaa
MityVac Coolant Pressure Tester Set - amzn.to/2GF2K2l
Telescoping Mirror - amzn.to/2USfMlK
Long Needle Nose Pliers - amzn.to/2Dsdpvp
If your ever looking for more tools to get started or add to your collection check out the page on our website for great recommendations - www.gearheads-garage.com/tools/
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Авто/Мото
I like to pretend I know stuff about cars, now I need to find a leak in my neighbors santa fe
Rip
😂 this the best comment Ive ever read
Rip
Legend has it Phil D still looking.
@@justincase1286 😂😂😂😂
I took my Jeep to a local moron and he charged me 1800 hundred dollars, so far. He changed the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and then gave it back, and it still has leaks. He took it back and said he changed some pipes, his words not mine, and it still has leaks. The video did help. He said he pressure tested it but he obviously did not!!
Damn bro, rip
@@guesswho6941 Six months late it started leaking again. I brought it to someone else and they said the cap was bad. The other place said they replaced it. So far it is working.
Sounds like the first mechanic never did anything but lied like they did something
But doesn’t that make you moron for paying that much and still not having the problem fixed
@@partyglobe8376 A mechanic who lied?? Well it had to happen sooner or later.
Amazing how easy things can be to diagnose with the correct tools. I'd be feeling all over the engine looking for wet spots. Great vid guys, and welcome back to Matt.
Yep! It is amazing how much having the right tool helps, truthfully these days with Amazon or parts store rentals for these kinds of tools it isnt hard for the DIY'er to get access!
Great video. My Audi is leaking coolant and need to find the leak. This will definitely help me. Didn’t even know such kits existed
Thanks guys can’t wait to try this on my Supra. Been chasing a coolant leak for years.
Thanks. Super helpful video. You answered my question. I knew there had to be a better way than guessing or filling it up again with coolant, getting it hot, and then looking for the leak. 😁 Update- rented the pressure kit, pumped it up, and instantly found my leak. Worth the time and removed all the guess work. Thanks again.
The main problem with getting it hot and looking for the leak is all the steam that can get in the way from the coolant spraying on the engine and exhaust.
Glad to see you both back! Thank you for the video!
Thank you!
Good to see Matt back.
You guys caved me a lot of time and money. Great video, thanks!
Great video! Thanks for being helpful!
I got a Corolla leaking coolant. Might try this out. Great video!
I’m in the same situation🤦♀️
thats helpful guys. thank you for the knowledge
Thanks guys! This video really helped out!
I saw that is a leak that you create for the content of the video. but you made me buy the kit for ma wife Rondo 2010. Thank you so much!
And brand new greeen coolant :D haha
Thats where a little snake camera attachment might come in handy. I know they dont have the greatest quality but its nice to have eyes where you cant get them.
Thank you!!!! I'm like where do you get a pressure tester from..
Thank you very informative
Thanks guys
What an excellent video.... Thank you very much
THanks a lot for this!!!!
This was a super helpful video! I have a 2014 Hyundai Accent. Wish I could bring her to you guys to get helpful tips to take care of her it’s my first car
It must be Miata season - the GH guys are back!
Hey Sean! Thanks we are back!
Awesome video!!
Stay together!! From. London 🇬🇧
Matt will be back sometimes, can't promise every video though!
"the boys are back in town!"
Thank you it is really helpful thank you guys
Thanks
I like to read the comments 1st because many of you understand & are adding positive (constructive) comments that allow me to better understand. Thx you all.
What, i,'ve been saying thank u, thank u and God Bless all these videos ❤️
I'm doing this (again) on my Isuzu Rodeo tomorrow. I've replaced so many little coolant hoses over the years, and O-rings, etc, on this car. Every time I think it's finally a blown head gasket, it turns out to be some little T-junction of hoses hidden somewhere and spraying coolant under the intake or some damn thing. I already put the pressure tester on the radiator at the parts store, actually, and I could hear the coolant running out, but couldn't *see* it. Need to do it again with the air intake off and maybe snake the endoscope around looking for a visual leak.
Good luck!
Great to see you guys making videos again, inspires me to start working on my mx5 again
Aweaome! Do it!
I’ll def check this out today! My 2018 ecoboost mustang is leaking coolant.. I think it may be internal since white smoke is being produced from the exhaust only on start up… but hopefully it’s something small so I won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a repair I could do myself. 🙏
In that case you also may want to try a block tester, you can buy a kit for that very cheap as well and look up how to use it.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel Uho! That's not good. Thank you for some more insight!
First thought is go in with a loose hose clamp connection. Come out with a blown head gasket 😅
Thanks for the idea, we are going to try sealing a suspected "hole" in the engine of my car with chemical metal, but I think I'll suggest to my father that we let the pressure build up first (run the engine for a bit so the rubber hoses become stiff) and observe so we can be very sure that is the actual leak and not something else.
Dont waste your time getting it hot, just buy or rent for free a pressure tester so you can find out when it is cold. Then again the guy wanting to JB weld his coolant leak is not gonna be the guy to do things the right way in the first place I guess 😂😂
What does "hole in the engine" mean? It's nearly as vague as "hole in the car." 🤔
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel Ha ha. I suspect my father just went along with it just to let me make my own mistakes.
I found the leak soon after because I was just a second away from getting sprayed in my face by scalding hot coolant from a hose when I was looking around the engine searching at my parking space after a intentionally demanding ride to raise the pressure, we found the right part and fixed it, but the head gasket failed hardcore a month or so later and fucked up the car so badly that I had to sell it.
The second car I had I did a far better job at diagnosing, researching and finding the coolant leak that popped up on that one. But on that one the car engine slowed to a crawl and jerked like mad at the end. I was also sick of the fuel costs it had so it gave me a excuse to sell it off.
I understand cars far better now than I did a year ago and understand better how to find leaks now and how to troubleshoot cars.
This third car is in very good condition for being 20+ years old and I have a plan to service it properly as I want to ensure it lasts for another 10 years.
The biggest issue I have really is that I have no place to properly lift the car and tinker with it to learn more if I want to do something under it, the only lift in the city costs money per minute and it quickly adds up, so I'm restricted to reading and reading some more about whatever issue I find, then lifting the car only when I am ready to tackle it, But things I can fix while the car is standing is no big problem. I'm slowly aquiring every tool I can imagine and reading enough about the car to burn a hole on my computer screen.
Thank you.
Good video
I recently did a transmission swap on my 03 cl type s and it’s running and driving fine but I can’t figure out y it’s over heating and y something is leaking from in front of the driver side back tire
what if all ur auto has is the jug as only access? no traditional radiator cap..still can use pressure tester?
Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Just had a head gasket done and replaced th radiator cap and now its going through coolant even faster . 2 days full to empty bone dry .. its a 2012 Sub Impreza sport... the rpms i have to give some gas to get to
just happened to stop by this video,and saw about the coolant leak was. I got a backside of motor leak too on my 14 dodge journey 2.4l. I've changed both thermos n ect. water pump looks fine too just that one big leak when engine an ac is on. any ideas
How would i pressure test if my vehicle doesn't have a radiator cap? It's a 2001 5.4 Triton. I see that the pcv valve is my issue with vehicle not staying but they was a sudden coolant leak
Good work guys! That's why you two are considered men among us schoolboys.
Haha ohhh please we are like kindergarteners
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel yo had a question for Yas I got 02 durango 4.7l the radiator leaks one day then 2 days it won't leak it's defently leaking I do know that much but other than it leaking one day and than not the next day the weird thing is I've had to fill it a couple times now that the whole system has green 50/50 in it but when it leaks sometimes it comes out clear like water idk guys!! Do you possible have a anwser for that or anyone for that matter
Among Us?
@@kevincash2238 side fins are loose that connect to the radiator maybe?
I replaced radiator , cap and thermostat. Is I to possible water pump is leaking , bottom radiator hose not getting hot. Runs normal per temperature gauge. 3.4 Toyota engine. Haven’t removed timing cover yet to inspect.
Wow. my coolant does go down. This was a great video. I guess I have to find $115 for the kit and see what the hay is going on with my 23yr old van, lol
hey. what do u do if its not even building up pressure
Thanks for the helpful video. Does the tester hold pressure if there is head gasket leak?. My radiator is short about 4 cup of coolant after an hour of driving, but the reservoir show full.
Depends on the leak and how bad it is, it should not hold pressure with a leak though. If you are concerned about a head gasket try a Block Test kit, they are easy to use!
So is the IACV hose that is leaking?
your first link for the preassure test kit nolonger works.
Search for a Mishimoto 28 piece coolant test kit it will come up, it is the same kit and is available for less than $100 still compared to the same thing in different colored cases from more expensive brands.
I used the kit on a mitsu..the reason I mention the car is I used the smallest spring loaded adaptor. Anyone else get a bad seal? like if I move the pump around the smallest amount it breaks the seal with the radiator. If I pump it and put it right down it seems to hold. frustrating, because I think I have a leak when I may not.
would one of those work on a snowmobile.???
My 2014 Dodge Charger is overheating I change the thermostat and I change the Radiator fans and it’s still overheating so I check under to car and see it’s leaking could that be the problem
Yay Matt!!!
Still in synch on that keep wrenching sign off too. ;)
Well come on we arent OLD yet!! 😛😛
Wewewew
@@rechargegamesstudio2803 ;)
hey its tom & jerry
good video guys .
Do you have a video showing the vacuum filler in use from the blue kit? That link btw in the discription to amazon doesnt lead to anywhere anymore
I hadnt made one yet it is on my list of videos to do. I will look into updating the link thanks for letting me know. Search kits on amazon that look like it I'm sure something will come up.
Ford Focus engine here and will check after watching this video
lol at 7:33 he's says its leaking pretty good haha i know what you mean tho bro good video!
I believe he said "looking" pretty good..
Yall doing fine work here. Cut bait. To the point. BOOM. done. I know ain't nobody got no time for no blabber gabber no mo. Ya know?
Here's one that falls under the "Maybe they used to say that, but they don't say that now" category. Could you have stopped the leak temporarily by using a radiator cap with lower pressure? I know not to rely on a temp fix forever. Second, if a spring type clamp was originally used, is it advisable to use a worm clamp? Nice video! Easily understood.
That wouldnt make sense either way. If the leak is that small you can limp it for a day and then fix it. If its big the rad cap wouldnt change anything and idk where you would buy an 8-10psi rad cap anyways. If you did that the cooling system(under normal driving fully warmed up conditions) would still pressurize and then would overfill your overflow and you would leak a bunch out anyway. It is not a solution even if you could theoretically buy one to limp home it would be a poor bandaid at best.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel Thanks. The car I was advised to do this was a 72 Chevy. Cadillacs may have had the overflow reservoir in 72, but not the Impala. Also, in 1986, you could go to the auto parts store and ask specifically for a 7-pound closed system cap and get one. It was also common to pour black pepper in a radiator to seal small cracks and pinholes. Common, but rarely advised. Thanks for your reply. Rare to see on a video as old as this one.
Mine just all drained out very fast from my ranger and over heated and left my truck at someone’s house lol
My problem is the leak occurs behind a bunch of parts, can't see just where, can't take stuff apart to see.
What does it mean if the pressure gauge stays at 0
Are the different color things in the kit to go on coolant reservoirs? I don’t have a radiator cap, just a reservoir. I keep having to top mine off too.
Yes you can get an adapter for your application.
what if you dont have a radiator cap?
Psi pressure is on radiator cap mine is 20 psi. So I test it at 20 psi pressure
Does the engine needs to be at normal temperature or have the thermostat open to do this test?
Thanks.
No it does not have to be, but keep in mind it does need to be mostly full because if you are too low on coolant you likely will just be compressing air and it will take forever to build pressure with the tool and also if the leak is in a high spot you may just get air coming out unless it is almost full. If you need to run it and burp the system to get some air out then proceed carefully if things are hot.
Would this kit work on cars with a cap less radiator/expansion tank only? Also would it help to find a tiny leak? My car has a tiny leak (below the max level in a few weeks, below the min level in a few months most likely) and I can’t see any evidence of a leak with the car hot and I don’t know in this case if bringing it to pressure with the car off using this tester would really help me or not.
Yes it still works on vehicle with that kind of system! Admittadly your leak sounds very small so it may be difficult to find but I believe it is worth investigating and doing some proper testing to save you a larger headache down the road.
Hi man good day..where didnyou buy the pressure thing..need link thanks man
You can buy them all over the internet or at most parts stores like Napa, autozone and oriellys. Just ask for a Cooling System Pressure Tester.
Does autozone rent the tool?
how to check coolent condition
My vehicle was smoking from my hood. My reservoir for my radiator still had fluid and my gage did not indicate there was anything over heating. I put water in my radiator and started my vehicle and after the car was running I noticed a leak on the right hand side of the car under my hood. What are you thinking ??
Get ur ass under the hood
is it normal for your overflow tank to bubble when you pressurize the system?
No, if it is then your seal in the tool at the radiator isnt sealing it should not be sending any pressure to the overflow.
You guys have the exact same voice haha
I have a g6dont no where the water goes
My car doesn’t have a at the radiator, do you end up putting the pressure cap on the coolant reservoir? (2007 Chevy Malibu 3.9L)
If it is a degas bottle or expansion tank style system(it probably is) then yes. Older systems where you fill the radiator directly and only have an overflow you fill at the radiator. Your cooling system cap is on the expansion tank if there is nothing at the radiator.
I have a mustang that doesn’t have a radiator cap. Can I follow the same process by connecting this to my coolant reservoir tank instead?
Yes you can that is how you do it on that type of system. Fill it up all the way and make sure you have the right adapter and it will help find your leak.
Hey man I just got a 2006 Mazda 6 and the guy told me it was a coolant leak I took a look at it and it wasn’t nothing major from what I seen but when I do drive the hood is smoking. Now is that a minor fix like a punctured tube? or is that something major?
Could be literally anything. You have to find it and identify to know.
Newb question - Does the reservoir take on pressure? I'd guess no, there must be some valve that permits flow from the reservoir only when unpressured?
2018 Sienna
Usually the radiator cap will prevent the overflow tank from being pressurized. Same with the test kit if hooking directly to the radiator as there’s a seal on the test pump. Not familiar with that vehicle, but if that’s where you fill it from rather than the radiator, that’s where you’ll pressure test from.
What if there are no signs of a leak but I’m still loosing coolant from somewhere? Any help would be greatly appreciated people. Garage had a pressure test on it and couldn’t find anything 😕
Sure its not coming out your radiator or overflow cap? Otherwise head gasket would be about the only other option. Or radiator could have a leak in it going through to the transmission side but then you would have high transmission fluid/milkshake and itd probably be in the coolant too. Honestly not sure what to tell you without looking at it myself.
@GearHeads yo had a question for Yas I got 02 durango 4.7l the radiator leaks one day then 2 days it won't leak it's defently leaking I do know that much but other than it leaking one day and than not the next day the weird thing is I've had to fill it a couple times now that the whole system has green 50/50 in it but when it leaks allot of times it comes out clear like water idk guys!! Very rare it comes out green sometimes but rare most time clear like water like I said the whole system has been filled enough times now that it should only be green through out the whole system so wondering why it comes out clear rusty color.Do you possible have a anwser for that or anyone for that matter
If your getting clear water dripping its probably condensation from your A/C system. If you think you have a leak get a pressure tester like we showed and find it.
When would a dye be used instead of pressure?
With coolant its not really necessary as it is very easy to pressurize it like this, if your loosing coolant and cant find a trail you need to clean better and look again(If you still find nothing pull your spark plugs and check for water there from block or headgasket, also see if the oil level rises). Dye is more useful for oil leaks and A/C refrigerant leaks. Even still VERY rarely do I need/use it for oil leaks.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel If the leak is internal could this pressure damage gaskets or cause rapid failure. Like Hydro locking?
@@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268 Internal to what? If its internal to cylinder it will cause the engine to consume coolant and likely overheat(if it had such a bad leak to cause hydrolock it probably wouldnt even run), if it leaks into oil it will dilute it and make it milk shaky and if ran unfixed would ruin the entire engine. These are less likely and less common than external leaks though.
You can use the dye with pressure
The first link isn’t working is there an updated one? I’m buying everything that was used, my Mercedes’ keeps leaking coolant and I’m gonna fix it myself
Search for a Mishimoto 28 piece coolant test kit it will come up, it is the same kit and is available for less than $100 still compared to the same thing in different colored cases from more expensive brands.
My Audi A3 2.0 Tfsi 54 plate has the coolant light keep coming on I’ve had a new coolant bottle and all new pipe work and it’s still coming on it’s been over a year now and my garage says they can’t see any leakages but when I stop and park the car I have a wet patch under the engine, it’s not over heating at all any ideas anyone.
Check your level in the morning when the engine cold. Is it actually dropping or remaining the same every day? If you have a puddle it is likely A/C condensation and completely normal. If your level is dropping and leaving coolant on the ground then pressurize it like I showed and find it, or go to another shop.
GearHeads I have to fill coolant up probably every few weeks as it goes down to minimum level.
Your car has a coolant light!? coool
Worm clamps ftw
Mines dont pass 5psi why is that?
Only halfway through the video but I was surprised that you didn’t have to clamp off the overflow line it seems like that would let pressure out into your overflow tank? Although maybe that’s part of the closed system?
The overflow system does not get pressurized during this procedure. Pop your rad cap off and look, it is sealed to the top of the radiator neck and only when pressure rises it pushes the spring on the cap up and then over through to the tank. The pressure tester seals at the neck and does not in any way feed to the overflow tank.
How about the turbo expansion tank on a subaru sti ?
Hey Jessie, I just wanted to say hi and let you know my steering wheel is still awesome.
Hah! Awesome! Glad to hear it and thanks for checking in, hope you are otherwise well.
WOULD THIS WORK TOO IF YOU HAVE A LEAK IN YOUR HEATER CORE???
Yup. It will either drip on the ground out your A/C drain or leak into the footwell in the interior.
The dude that identified the problem sounds like benson from regular show
AutoZone rents out all their tools for free you just have to put a deposit that you'll get back my 2013 mazda 6 2.5 l For the past four years I smell engine coolant Still can't find it it's only in engine bay , It holds its temperature and pressure.. I rarely have to add coolant ... One thing I noticed the reservoir tank has a Overflow Hose just in case maybe I'm getting some fumes from that because it's open to the atmosphere
Taking way too long to get to the point bro
What might it mean if the coolant doesn’t leak UNTIL the car is turned on?
Once the car is turned on you have pressure and the coolant is moving around. If you have a leak in certain spots it may not have enough pressure to leak out with the engine off, or the coolant may flow downhill allowing air in behind it. OR You have a blown head gasket but that would likely be smoking a lot and you would not be seeing coolant on the ground. Follow what I showed in the video with a pressure tester and you can find your leak.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannelhey there , is it ok to pump it up to 25PSI, or is that far too much pressure. Thanks
Can you help me? I'm not sure what to make of a mechanic?
I have the car there now.
I got under the car before dropping it off with a camera and recorded where the leak was coming from and I saw the leak coming from where the belts are turning near or under the water pump I had checked all around the radiator and the radiator was dry and so I don't have the tools to do what I have to do so my mechanic tells me that the radiator is shot but my vidro shows the leak wasn't coming from the radiator what's happening is it's coming down from a certain part where the belts right next to or from the water pump thats next to where the belts are turning, the drip comes down hits a hose and then hits the ground.
There is a spot on the ground near the radiator but how vould it be the radiator when I see it dropping from the water pump?
My mechanic is telling me he has to change the radiator out and it might also be a waterpump I think hes scamming me.
What do you think?
Without seeing it myself I cannot tell you if the mechanic is lying or not. It is possible that both are leaking, but you can always take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. I pressure test and inspect for leaks but more than one time I have pressure tested, found a leak and then found another leak after the repair was completed because with the pressure test it was only leaking out of the worst leak location. At the end of the day you need to have a mechanic that you trust and if you don't trust that one then you might need to find another.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel
Well thank you for getting back.
I talked to him.
He claims that the radiator was leaking.
Heres the thing.
Every day, I would put in a cup of antifreeze, this car doesnt have a radiator cap. You must put it in the reserve, i think its called
Little plastic square box with screw on cap.
I put the antifreeze in and the drops start leaking. About every 2 to 5 sec.
But if I dont put any in it doesnt leak.
And it only leaks from near the water pump.
I recorded it.
I see from where its leaking.
No where from the radiator.
I'm not saying it couldn't be both.
But when I called him, he said it was the radiator and didnt see any other leak.
Im like..but the only leak visible is the leak that begins the second you put fluid in and its only from the place near the belts where I believe the water pump is.
He says the water pump is inside the engine.
I said regardless, its leaking near the belts where I believed the water pump is/was.
It's the only physical leak I could see.
He says it sounds like you're calling me a liar?
I said it sounds like it, but actually since you have a better look at it rather than me Im wondering if you missed another possible leak.
It could be leaking from the radiator i ssid but its definitely leaking where I saw it.
He said well, I wasnt here when the care came in, my mechanic said it was the radiator.
I asked him why his mechanic didnt see the main leak?
He said he did a radiator test with a pump.
And if its not the radiator I'll give it to you free.
My machanic has been with me 5 years.
I said well, there is definitely drops of antifreeze dropping down from far behind the radiator up near where the belts are.
I have my video right here looking at it?
I again mentioned that I took a video of it.
And my eyes are not deceiving me. I know what I see in the video.
I reviewed it 50 times.
I told him I examined it on a flatscreen screencasting my phone to the flatscreen and its definitely leaking from where the belts are near where a water pump should be.
He said he'd check it out himself.
I told him, its possible since you have it up on a rack that the leak is coming from the radiator too. I don't know?
So what do you think?
what kind of car is it?
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel
2004 Chevy Aveo.
I should mention that the work on the car is done.
The mechanic charged $500
The leak was fixed, oil changed, a light inside the car repaired, a new door handle was put on, which involved taking off the interior of the door.
A thermostate replaced which apparently was where the anti freeze was coming from that I video taped with my phone.
And the radiator was replaced.
Total price with tax $500
So, Idk? I suppose it all worked out, the car is running great.
Maybe it was my chat with him?
Maybe it was the radiator?
But regardless I appreciate any input from you.
@@BrodyMcCain $500 for all that doesnt sound bad to me! Good luck man
My coolant housing is empty but my radiator is full idk where it’s leaking from
Because it leaks on the opposite side of coolant housing
I showed you how to find a leak, if you pressure test it and have no leak but it is backflowing too much through the reservoir you probably have a weak rad cap.
The hose looked like it would still be long enough to use if some of the end of it was removed: do you ever do that? Thanks.
Or is it the heater hose?
It was a heater hose.
2
52 Yahoos heard you say hit dislike button. Probably disgruntled mechanics that did't want you to show this video. Thanks!
Assholes or bots either way doesnt effect me 🤷♂️ Thanks man 👍
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel Amen to that. Keep doing what you do. I appreciate it!
Hello,
I have a question is loosing about 50ml coolant is normal in a month?
50ml is like an ounce and a half, how are you even noticing that tiny amount? To be honest I wouldnt be concerned. and amount that small depending on the vehicle may just be getting steamed out of the overflow.
GearHeads hello,
Thanks for your reply I put the mark on top of the coolant to check, I was been told it’s a close system so you should not loose any coolant. Please explain
The other day had my car was idiling and poof (smoke/coolant everywhere). I cant find the leak, and this tool kit is way to much....the vid was helpful, unfortunately, too much money...plan b~