2004 Malibu leaking coolant

[warwick1]

Sorry it is a 2003

I jsut picked up a 2003 Malibu from a relative. I got it cheap as there is decent leaking going on with the coolant.


It is frigid outside, so I only peaked a bit but there was a significant puddle happening in front of the passenger side of the engine once this thing is warm..
I popped the hood and saw quite a bit of leakiness going on as far as coolant goes. You can smell it a bit as well once she warms up.

We can also notice some leakiness going on more on the driver side of the engine.

I am just getting some ideas. i'll try to get a better look at things. I don't think it is a hose leaking going to and coming from the reservoir.

Where is the water pump? I just replaced one in my 90 Camry that has gone shot and was leaking coolant all over.

Ideas? This will be an ongoing thread as I will have to wait out weather and try to diagnose this vehicle's issues.

Head gasket? Water pump? Both?

thanks

 

[zora]

It could be the water pump but you have to pressure test the system to find all the sources.

 

[warwick1]

Re: 2003 Malibu leaking coolant

I think it may be the water pump. I recently replaced one in a Toyota Camry 1990....no easy task.

This vehicle seems easier and faster and cheaper to do. I will pressure test to find all sources of leaking but first, here is my question.

What else should I replace while I am in there? With the Camry, we did tensioner pulley, Timing Belt, Water Pump, Power Steering Belt... these were recommended to replace as well.

I watched a Youtube vid which seems to sufficiently cover the pump for my Malibu. They also replaced the belt. Anything else?

It appears to be the pump based on my recent experience with the Yota...
I will clean it up with cleaner and test it out to find all spots of leaking when the weather warms up..

 

[zora]

The additional items depend on the mileage and if you are aware of what has been previously done on the engine. Replacing the serpentine belt would be good as you already have to remove it anything else I would leave alone unless you are way past the 100K mark and you suspect the condition of the part such as the belt tensioner.

 

[Chuzz]

Yep, most likely culprit it the water pump. But you might get lucky and find it's just a hose with a hole or a loose clamp. Keep you fingers crossed that it's not a rusted out freeze plug.