Locate possible coolant leak

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Davyboy

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I'm wondering what some methods for spotting leaks that people would recommend, to find a leak, I'm about 99% sure I have a coolant leak. Now I don't look down at the fan that often, and we'd had some wet weather, so it was dirty naturally, however as the rest of the wet dried leaving dust, some hasn't and while under the truck (changing oil) i noticed a lot of grease or such by the bottom of the rad/fan, etc. Now my oil doesn't move, i fill it when i change it, and its never low, hence my belief that it is coolant, since I fill the overflow tank once every week or two.

Soooo, now comes my question, what would be the best way to pinpoint the leak, if its a hose coming off the rad etc, (i will say this now so i don't get people asking, i have NO idea if and when any of the rad hoses were changed etc), also what would be the best way to clean it (so i can see if it builds up in one particular spot, i drive through dust daily, so if it is leaking, it'll have mud very quickly).

I have a general degreaser, (or should i get one thats for cleaning engines and driveways, that will clean all oil etc) that i was thinking of spraying on, letting it set, then carefully hosing off (making sure to not to soak wires).

I say this because i don't feel comfortable soaking the entire engine like they have those settings at the touch car washes...
 

sc00bz

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I got a mechanic buddy of mine to snag a bottle of this from his shop. Makes the coolant florescent so a black light or in my case, an LED flashlight at night made the coolant glow. Traced the leak.
COOLANT.jpg

---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:41 PM ----------

****** pic I know. I'll try to find the bottle to give you a name.

Edit: Found it. I kept it in case I ever needed to buy some. MasterChem Coolant System Leak Detection Dye Part No. MT3103
 
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Davyboy

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Sweet thanx a ton, i'll have to check for that, as for cleaning it, does that sound like an effective plan?
 

crmzendrgone

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Cleaning it is a good plan. That stuff scoobz mention is awesome. Are you overheating? I am thinking that the trans heat exchanger is part of the rad. as well that could be leaking. Best bet is to clean the entire area and then see where new wet spots form.

So other than just seeing something that looks like a leak there are no other symptoms saying coolant leak.
 

Gregski

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Man I hate orphaned threads, especially if they were spot on to the problem I am having too, know what I mean, if you could please update this thread I am sure many people would benefit from it.
 

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