2001 PA Coolant Leak

[JamieC]

2001 PA 280,000 miles.

This fall replaced the radiator,thermostat as well as performing numerous flushes since the system was so gunked up with what appeared to be that stop-leak bandaid.
Previous to these repairs, I bypassed the heater core in order to make it home...suspected there was a leak somewhere in the system.

I have since reconnected the heater core hoses and this seemed to be ok a a couple months. Now I have a new leak in the cooling system.
Radiator fluid is dripping...nay...lightly streaming to the ground from just behind the firewall. Standing near the radiator you can see the leak.

I am guessing that I damaged it when reattaching the hoses. When there is coolant in the system...heater works pretty good. I do not see any signs (obvious to me) that there is coolant leaking inside the car.

Opinions? I have never changed out a heater core....and I just ordered one on Amazon for about $43. I do not have a service manual.

Any help or steps you can point me to or general feedback is appreciated,

Jamie

 

[Ziggy]

Are you sure the heater core is damaged? Often it is just aging hoses and clamps.

 

[JamieC]

I can take a closer look at that. I was watching a video on replacement....in addition to the core...he also had 2 fittings to attach for the hoses. Mine were host straight to the core tubes with no fittings. I reattached them using adjustable screw hose clamps.

It did look however that the leak was coming from further back....wonder if a hose leak could present like that.

 

[ave396]

I had a very slow coolant leak can not locate until i use.
ACDelco 10-5046 Dex-Cool Leak Detection Tracer Dye - 1 oz
• Designed to quickly pinpoint leaks in cooling systems that use DEX-COOL (orange) coolants
• Special formula will not change the color of the coolant
• Fluorescent dye assists with visual leak detection to eliminate guess work
• Works in conjunction with the ACDelco Ultra Violet (UV) Leak Detection Lamp Kit

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I had a very slow coolant leak can not locate until i use.
ACDelco 10-5046 Dex-Cool Leak Detection Tracer Dye - 1 oz
• Designed to quickly pinpoint leaks in cooling systems that use DEX-COOL (orange) coolants
• Special formula will not change the color of the coolant
• Fluorescent dye assists with visual leak detection to eliminate guess work
• Works in conjunction UV FLASH LIGHT