My 1990 ninety-eight 3800 V6 is losing water slowly...very slowly I think.

I can't see any thing wet or leaking.

Any tests I can do to find it?
How about one of those radiator pump up units? How much pressure over cap pressure 15-16 lbs can one safely put on the system?

The weep hole in bottom of water pump. What is it there for and when should it pass fluid?


Would not ANY internal leakage of coolant show up in the oil?

thanks

 

How many miles on the motor?

If a head gasket was fautly in the one spot between the coolant passage and the cylinder, it would not show in the oil. Water in the combustion chamber would produce a brilliantly clean spark plug.

- Water in the oil will produce a milky brown snot on the inside of the oil fill cap. A slow leaking intake manifold or head gasket (or head crack) would cause this. NAPA sells this really cool kit that tests for exhaust gas in the coolant to identify a head problem.

- Heater core. If they leak slow it is hard to realize that they are going until a nice sweet smell or a green puddle is on your floor.

- corroded freeze plug

-pinhole in a hose...

the list is long, but the problem can be tracked. A coolant leak only gets worse over time.

John

 

near 140,000 on engine.

Great answers, thanks.

How bout those pump ups? Would they cause harm or help locate leak?

Is there a florescent dye I can add that will not hurt anything?
I've used the dye that is added to crankcase on other vehicles but never added it into the water system.

 

My experience with the 3.8 is that it is indestructible, except for 1 problem...there is a plastic piece that leaks on the intake manifold that you should be able to get at any auto parts store. AERA has a bulletin on it.

 

Thanks, Now wherebouts on the Intake? I'm lookin.
Is this a tube shaped thing ?

Are you talking water leak or vac leak?

And what is AERA?

jaco