Just got my 97 SE back from my dad. Sold it to him 12 years ago. 366k now. Drove it about 60 miles when I got it 2 weeks ago. It's been sitting until I finished with replacing the AC pulley bearing and idler pulley today. Took for a 5 mile test drive. Pulled into garage and have a big coolant leak - puddle 6 inches wide and 3 feet long. I see coolant on the bottom of alternator, compressor, and oil pan. Is this the typical water pump issue? Can it come on so severely and immediately? I did run the heat today if that makes a difference.

 

I would start by checking the hoses if you haven't already. On my '99, When I replaced either my alternator or AC compressor (can't remember which job it was), I removed the pass side hose (and used this as an opportunity to refill with fresh coolant). On my '95, when the water pump was failing, it didn't yield a huge puddle like yours, was just dripping from the weep hole. Did you remove the hose when working in that area? Maybe something pressed on it and punctured it? At 366k, if those are the original hoses, they are probably very fragile at this point.

 

No, I didn't have to remove the hose. I checked it for leaks and it is fine.

 

Look closely/closer at your thermostat housing.

Based on your explanation of the leak location and the wetted accessories, I’d be surprised if your leak isn’t related to that.

 

Thanks. I'll take a look at that.

 

I agree with Turbobink. However if that is not the source of your leak, run down to your local auto parts stores and check out their cooling system pressure tester via their loan-a-tool program. This tester will show you were your source(s) of the leaks are.

 

The lower radiator hose is leaking where it connects to the thermostat housing. Thanks for the suggestion to pressure test. Took less than 5 minutes to find the leak start to finish.

 

Nice, glad you got it sorted.