I'm having trouble locating a coolant leak on the passenger side of the engine. It doesn't seem to be from the heater tube or freeze plugs or the head but is pretty much below that area in line with the back of the tire.

The only dripping I see comes off the engines bell housing.

Any ideas are appreciated
Dan

It was one of the 29 year old heater core hoses.

Thanks again
Dan

I quess I didn't read the entire thread...

so you found the leak

The light lit in my feeble brain all of a sudden, even though I couldn't find the leak.

The intake gasket was shot, the TB and IAC valve were dirty. I also discovered a trans mount was mush.

Hi Dan,

How about that. I'm trying to find an almost identical leak on the passenger side of my 90 245. I had this engine out last summer so everything is clean and new and I've been keeping a close eye on it.

No oil as yet, but my coolant reservoir is down about 1/2" after a year and half and 6K miles. The only evidence is a drop or two every night, coming off the bracket that holds the tranny coolant lines, but I'll be damned if I can find where it's coming from.

Have you checked the drain plug on the block ? Something crawling back along the steel pipe from the water pump ? You're in Florida, so it's unlikely, but I have seen pinhole leaks on that steel pipe adjacent to the weld on the clip, directly under the manifold outlet.

The heater core is a suspect, but I had my dash out for blower replacement a month ago and inspected it. On a previous failed core, there was evidence on the inside of the windshield when defrosting and leakage on the floor.

I would just like to know whether or not my leak is coming from my new head gasket. Does anyone know if there's such a thing as water soluble fluorescent dye that could be added to the coolant ?

regards, Peter

Coolant reservoir drains overnight, currently I get a constant drip that goes to the ground at the drivers side bell housing.

heater runs fine and no smell or other sign of antifreeze in the cabin.

No leaks around water pump or any hoses including the one to the back of the water pump.

There is some evidence of what might be coolant on the underside of electrical and air intake hose on drivers side of the engine.

Something is leaking pretty significantly at the back of the engine.

Thanks
Dan

It's looking to me like it has to be one of the 2 heater hoses going through the fire wall.

I think I'll remove the intake manifold and replace the gasket along with both heater hoses.

I have had at least one of these hoses rub against the dip stick housing on another Volvo causing a leak. I just have been unable to see a leak spraying coolant out.

Dan

most likely it is from the connection at the back where it k=hooks up??

Are you talking about the heater core hose to the water pump? I have seen that tube and both connections from the bottom of the car and there are not leaks there.
Dan

IIRC, the drain hose from the heater box will dump coolant on the bellhousing which would indicate a leaking heater core.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Are you talking about the A/C drain?
Thanks
Dan

I'm pretty sure it's the same drain hose.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

OK thanks, I will check it out but not smelling antifreeze in the car.
Dan

test for heater core leak.

Drive it to get the engine at the ideal operating temp.
open the Heat to full.
Using only the Defrost Vents, turn on the fan speed 3 or 4.

Does the windshield 'fog-up' ?
If it does, try wiping it off.
Can't wipe it off, smears, seems slimey?
Antifreeze, steaming from the hot heater core.

aren't you in Florida, don't use the heat much?

Yes, FL but there are a few days a year it's nice to have the heat. There are no wet carpets or smell of antifreeze in the cabin.
Dan