My girlfriend has a 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass that has a coolant leak. Originally when the low coolant light went on she refilled the coolant. About two-weeks later the coolant had leaked out almost completely. What is the most probably cause of this. Where should I take the car? Is there a shop that won't charge me for inspection? I've heard it might need a new thermostat which would only cost like $25.00. I've also heard it could be the head gasket, which to replace and resurface the upper part of the engine could cost as much as $1600.00. Can anyone give me some advice so I don't get ripped off.
2007-01-09 06:22:40 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
GM V-6s are known for coolant leaks at the intake gaskets. If you dont see a leak on the ground , look in the oil cap an see if the oil looks milky, if so, intake gaskets leaking internally.
2007-01-09 12:53:11 · answer #1 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there really is no telling with a vehicle that old
what you could do is take the vehicle to a car wash and clean out the engine bay really good (and as good as you can under the vehicle as well)
After driving the vehicle for a day or so, you should be able to look in the engine bay and see AND smell where the leak is coming from. You should also be able to look under the car to see what area of the engine bay the leak is coming from. If there is no leak that you can see under the car, then that means that the leak is somewhere above the engine or some other part in the engine bay that gets hot, and that may be burning up the antifreeze.
Either way, it doesn't sound like a $1,600 job. If it was a head gasket, I would think you'd be leaking oil instead of coolant, and if it was a thermostat I'd think your car would be overheating.
It sounds like there is a small leak somewhere, and when you drive, the coolant system is under pressure, which would make MORE fluid come out of a leak.
2007-01-09 14:40:30 · answer #2 · answered by Mister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be any number of reasons. Check the easy things first though. Check for any visual signs of a hose deteriorating, or leaky water pump, etc.
It might be a problem with the heater core, or a gasket, but eliminate the easy things first. Maybe start the car, and let it run for a few minutes, and have a look underneath to see if you can see the green coolant dripping, and help to pinpoint the problem.
Also, note whether the coolant is leaking only when the car is being driven, or even if it is just sitting in the driveway overnight. This will give you clues as to what the problem may be.
If in doubt, take it to a mechanic...
2007-01-09 14:34:20 · answer #3 · answered by Wolfshadow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably a minor problem but you need should be able to see a leak that bad.Could be just a hose, could be the radiator-who knows.Put in a new thermostat anyway but that isn't the cause o the leak.Get it to a shop if you don't have any mechanical ability.Unless the engine has been overheated I doubt it's the head gasket.I would assume worst case is the radiator or water pump.
2007-01-09 14:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by JACK OF TRADES 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to an independent shop and get an estimate. Stay away from franchised repair shops as they are usually on commission and may try to upsell the job. Ask your friends or family who their mechanic is, recommendations are usually the best. As to what is common for a coolant leak on a 16 year old vehicle. It could be anything. All these people guessing is not going to fix your vehicle. It has to be seen to be properly diagnosed.
2007-01-09 14:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thermostat will not cause leaks. There is usually a weephole on the water pump that might be where it's coming from if it's coming off the engine and not the rad or hoses.
2007-01-09 14:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by misc 75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a hole :)
2007-01-09 14:40:52 · answer #7 · answered by bigspif2003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋