2000 Sunfire Coolant Leak

G

greenbf1

New member
Joined
Apr 19, 2013
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kansas City, MO
I recently bought a 2000 Sunfire with the 2200 engine and 98k miles. I changed the coolant and then began to have coolant drip under the right side of the car. If I lay on the ground, I see coolant dripping from a threaded hole in the area behind and below the water pump, not the pump itself. It is a pretty steady drip. Any ideas what might be my problem? I suspect the pump, but would like any input.
 
You are sure one of the water pump bolts hasnt fallen out?
 
No. It's hard to explain, but the threaded hole is only visible from the ground, and is not part of the pump. When I lay under the center of the car, the best way I can explain it is between the oil pan and water pump on the bottom of the car. It is approximately a 1/4 inch threaded hole.
 
My guess is the engine block drain plug was removed and the block has sufficient stuff in it to prevent a major leak. Put a drain pan under it and try inserting a screwdriver or other long narrow tool into the hole and see if more coolant starts flowing out. Look for another similar plug opposite side of the hole. it is possible somebody tried to remove it and it partially broke in the hole. If that is the case find a bolt with the correct thread apply sealant and close up the hole.
______________________________
 
I probably did a poor job of explaining the location of the hole, so here is a photo. It is on the bottom of the engine, but almost directly below the water pump. I stuck a screwdriver in the hole and it is open and dry. It looks to me like a plug belongs in that hole.
<a href="http://s114.photobucket.com/user/greenbf1/media/2013-04-22_12-32-40_326.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n252/greenbf1/2013-04-22_12-32-40_326.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2013-04-22_12-32-40_326.jpg"/></a>
 
That thing hanging is your AC compressor. Isnt that part of your engine mount on the front of the engine? Im a 2.4 guy soooo
 
Do you see a similar plugged hole on the opposite side of the front of the engine? I'm still going with my theory that it's a block drain hole and that someone partially snapped the plug off.
 
Apparently, the hole is threaded for no reason. I think it is the back of a mount. The water pump was leaking and coolant was running down to that area, but I couldn't see where it was coming from. I replaced the pump and all is well. Thanks for the responses.
______________________________
 
glad you solved it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top