Coolant Leak

[JonnyRock]

Hey guys,

A little over a week ago I started up my Z for the first time in about 7 days. After driving for less than 10 min, I noticed that she was quickly overheating. So I pulled over and carefully popped my radiator cap. Whaddya know! I couldn't see any coolant.

After waiting about 30 min, I started refilling w/water and found I was about a gallon low! So ever since then I have been refilling it before I take it out. How much goes in depends on how long it's been sitting, but it's a pretty good leak.

I immediately located the leak, but with work and finals I haven't been able to address it yet. Early next week I'll have plenty of time, so I was hoping you guys could help me out. I've included pictures of where the leak is.

It appears it's coming out of the heater core return line where a Prestone Refill Tee was added. But it also looks like it may be leaking form the line leading from the head to the heater core as well.

I bought a new Prestone kit and was planning on replacing the Tee and the post-tee return line, but thought I'd ask what you guys thought.

I've also included some pictures that show some seeping around my valve cover and pcv hose to see what ya'll think about that too. However, I am not losing oil.

[280~Master]

I would replace the hoses and clamps. Is the T needed? If so keep it if not junk it.

Pull the elbow out from the block, clean it up along with the block area and replace.

Your oil spots look like they need to be cleaned with some degreaser clamps, hoses or gasgets replaced and you should be just fine.

Just my 2.

[Garagegoon]

I would replace the hoses and clamps. Is the T needed? If so keep it if not junk it.

Pull the elbow out from the block, clean it up along with the block area and replace.

Your oil spots look like they need to be cleaned with some degreaser clamps, hoses or gasgets replaced and you should be just fine.

Just my 2.

I agree...had to go through all that myself...

[JonnyRock]

How do I get to the heater core? Can I reach it alright from the passenger footwell? And do you know where I can get new firewall gaskets? Mine are all dry and cracked, and yours look new Garagegoon.

[Garagegoon]

I purchased both hoses and grommets on ebay... Total package ran me close to $50 if I remember correctly....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm38.l1313%26_nkw%3D370125009557%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&item=370125009557&viewitem=

It was a bit of a task to get to but yes.. go in and under from passenger side.. with a little bit of cussing and a busted knuckle you should be able to get it.... Be sure to gave a towel handy too keep unwanted fluid off the carpet.....

[JonnyRock]

OOOH, those are from 'reddat'

I'm going to look around as he is loathed here on the board for overcharging for items that are commonly available and gouging customers on shipping.

[Garagegoon]

Ya... He does charge an arm and a leg and sometimes your first born, but I took what I could get at a moments notice....

[JonnyRock]

After some searching, I've found that black dragon sells both hoses and two grommets for about $30 + shipping. Thats versus the $47 + $14 shipping that 'reddat' is charging.

Here's the link to their catalog. Black Dragon Auto - Catalog Z - Page 76

The part numbers are:

Heater Hose Inlet - 54-420

Heater Hose Outlet - 54-421

Grommet - 54-423

And MSA has them for a comparable price here: The Z Store - Heater Hoses

I've decided to go ahead and order from MSA. They're good guys that I like to support, and they give us all a club discount!

Edited December 7, 2008 by JonnyRock
order info

[Garagegoon]

Yes... Thank you... I found out about them two weeks ago. They are close to me so I plan on taking many weekend roadtrips to get parts in my quest to restore my 240...