AOS replaced. Now Coolant Leak.

[coolbreeze551]

I just replaced my AOS because it was due (that was a real b!tch). I did that 3 days ago and tonight when I was driving and the engine was at normal running temperature the read light next to the temp gauge started flashing. I pulled over after a few blocks and noticed there was smoke coming out of the passenger side vent and there is a severe coolant leak near the passenger side rear tire and an even bigger leak from the middle of the car. Turns out the light was flashing because my coolant was nearly completely drained (3 days ago the level was fine) I can't take a look at the engine now because it is dark out but just wondering if anyone has an idea of what it could be?

I was moving coolant hoses out of my way while I was doing the AOS. Could I not have hooked one back up properly?

It is a 2001 base with 87k miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Steve Tinker]

It certainly sounds like you have dislodged a coolant pipe, though I must say that on all the writeups I have read re removing the AOS, I don't remember having to remove or even move any coolant lines....

As with all things after the fact, go back to basics and check all equipment you removed or disturbed when replacing the AOS.
Of course, you could just have had bad luck and split the coolant bottle while pushing and tugging pipes in that general area.

1)Look for coolant in the rear trunk - cracked coolant bottle.
2) Check coolant cap is on correctly and not leaking (Part No should end on 04).
3)Just to ensure you haven't an air lock, raise the D ring under the plastic cover where the oil filler / coolant filler is located. You can run the engine for a few days (several heat cylces) with it opened, all the time checking coolant level & topping up as required.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by coolbreeze551

I just replaced my AOS because it was due (that was a real b!tch). I did that 3 days ago and tonight when I was driving and the engine was at normal running temperature the read light next to the temp gauge started flashing. I pulled over after a few blocks and noticed there was smoke coming out of the passenger side vent and there is a severe coolant leak near the passenger side rear tire and an even bigger leak from the middle of the car. Turns out the light was flashing because my coolant was nearly completely drained (3 days ago the level was fine) I can't take a look at the engine now because it is dark out but just wondering if anyone has an idea of what it could be?

I was moving coolant hoses out of my way while I was doing the AOS. Could I not have hooked one back up properly?

It is a 2001 base with 87k miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The water pump is on the passenger side but if it starts to fail I would expect a smaller leak than what you described.

Jager

[coolbreeze551]

Originally Posted by Jager

The water pump is on the passenger side but if it starts to fail I would expect a smaller leak than what you described.

Jager

I am thinking that when my coolant drained, it pooled somewhere underneath near the middle. I am going to check tonight if the sun is still up. I have a feeling that it's the coolant reservoir. That's going to be a pain in the a$$.

[coolbreeze551]

I decided to have a quick look tonight at the engine. I wanted to get a look at the coolant tank and water pump and find the possible culprit.... Here are the highlights

1. Coolant reservoir isn't leaking (carpet is not wet, no puddle of coolant)
2. Dead cat near the water pump (pulled apart easy, dead for a while)
3. Coolant tank will not hold coolant, just drips out the bottom of the car near the middle.

Before I knew it it was getting dark and I didn't have time to take the bottom panel off the bottom of the car to get access to the leak. I am thinking that it is a hose that came off. Any ideas would be great on this one.

[tonycarreon]

Originally Posted by coolbreeze551

I decided to have a quick look tonight at the engine. I wanted to get a look at the coolant tank and water pump and find the possible culprit.... Here are the highlights

1. Coolant reservoir isn't leaking (carpet is not wet, no puddle of coolant)
2. Dead cat near the water pump (pulled apart easy, dead for a while)
3. Coolant tank will not hold coolant, just drips out the bottom of the car near the middle.

Before I knew it it was getting dark and I didn't have time to take the bottom panel off the bottom of the car to get access to the leak. I am thinking that it is a hose that came off. Any ideas would be great on this one.

when you say "dead cat"... you mean "meow-meow?"

[coolbreeze551]

Originally Posted by tonycarreon

when you say "dead cat"... you mean "meow-meow?"

Correct. I have a video and some pictures of it by the water pump but thought they might be a little graphic to post. I am going to try and get under the car today and see if it's a blown hose or a clamp or something hopefully cheap.