Coolant leak

[Andy]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to track down a coolant leak... Not too worried yet, but should I be?

Question is, how high up on the engine would a head gasket leak show? I'm seeing green where a small pipe comes off the heater pipe (top pipe at engine end). I'll be able to sleep if this is higher than the head (not too familiar with what's where yet).

Engine was replaced under warranty about 3000km ago after previous owner cooked it, so I'm hoping for just a loose clamp or something.

Thanks,
Andy

[Robbks]

head gasket issues don;t normally end up in coolant coming out of the block.

with teh car at operating temp take the engine covers off, get a torch and look for it.
will be a loose clamp or cracked hose somewhere.
the crappy standard spring-clamps stretch if they've been off a couple of times
replace with good t-bolt clamps

and yes those heater connections are higher than the head

[Andy]

Thanks Rob!

You're spot on I reckon. Just checked a crappy spring-clamp where I was looking and it was further up the hose than it should be. Maybe they just didn't put it in the right spot, but I'll replace anyway and see how it goes.

[norbs]

Yeah, replace those crappy spring clamps with proper hose clamps. Also, check your rad caps. as these can lose spring pressure over time. I had an STI one weep on me recently causing me to lose coolant.