coolant leak

[awareuvlite]

I have an 87 GL10 turbo that has developed a coolant leak. I have been under the car and observed coolant blowing out of the exhaust pipe. Seems to be worse when cold. Can the intake manifold have a coolant leak and where would it leak. 'Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I love the car and would like to keep it in tiptop shape.

[Qman]

Are you experiencing coolant loss in the radiator? Odd question but will make sense. Cars will "leak" fluid out of the exhaust as part of the combustion process. The intake gaskets can leak but it isn't really common. Generally speaking if you have fluid loss and water in the exhaust you have a head gasket going out.

 

Where in Oregon are you? There are a couple very competent people in Oregon that can help you.

[GeneralDisorder]

Yes - I second that. Water is a byproduct of gasoline combustion, and at times (especially when cold), there can be quite large quantities of it. I've seen if literally pour out of exhaust pipes when a car starts up a hill. This is also what contributes to the rusting out of mufflers and exhaust systems..... unfortunate, but completely normal.

 

GD

[richierich]

Usually when there is coolant, coming out of the exhaust at the engine, it is usually a cracked head. Also if there is excessive white smoke coming out the exhaust it also might be a sign of a cracked head. They usually crack right at the exhaust ports, and are not too difficult to diagnosis. You can take the 14mm exhaust bolts loose at the heads, put small pieces of carboard between the head and the exhaust, pressure check it, and it antifreeze is on the pieces of cardboard then you have a cracked head.

 

I agree that a small amount of water when cold is normal. But if the water smell sweet, might be a sign of a bigger problem. Like Qman asked, Are you loosing coolant in the radiator?

 

If you plan on doing the job yourself, I can help you get parts including a good head, and advise if you need it.

[Partsman]

Like QMan sez, where are you? Maybe one of us can check it out for you. Remember, if you're in Western Oregon, the humidity this time of year is close to 100% (hence the fog we get in the morning) and it could be your engine just distilling water for you!

[awareuvlite]

I,m stunned by the quick and descriptive responses. You folks rock.

The water blowing from the exhaust is definitely coolant, green color. I'm in the Portland area, so any help on parts would be a plus. I will have to obtain a pressure tester and perform the test with the cardboard between the head and exhaust. This vehicle has been overheated and repaired twice before i received it. Has an overheating issue usually when climbing hills such as heading west out of the tunnel on 26. I believe the radiator could use a update. Anywhere locally to buy a larger rad?

Thanks for the info to all.

[EmmCeeBee]

Hey aware -- check out this previous thread for info on radiators: http://usmb.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8802

 

Over the summer I got a 2-row rad from a place in Sweet Home, OR. It's a Silla brand, very low price and it seems to be high quality (been driving with it for 6 months now....) See my post in that thread for my trials and tribulations, though. Wasn't a true "drop in", but in the end I'm satisfied.

 

-- Mark

 

 

(ignore.... I'm trying out the hidden url feature

 

thread reference

 

....thanks )