Leaking Coolant

[wiseman]

I have a 98 VS Ute. The other day was real hot weather, and the temp gauge went a little over half way, then the thermo fan comes on, and it cools it back down to quarter way.
My Question and problem is, when i got back home, i noticed a few drops of coolant, on the passenger side floor matt. I looked under the dashboard, but could not see where it was dripping from. This has only happened once so far,(on a really hot day).
It also happened one time on my wifes VR sedan.
Does anyone know where this coolant may be leaking from?, and what is the best way to fix it if it continues to happen?
I have a feeling it could be a major job.
Wiseman

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

It could be a stuffed heater core, but if it is just happening on a hot day, check the hoses where they go onto the heater core on the passenger side firewall. They may need replacing or tightening allowing the coolant to leak and run along the pipes into the cab.

Are you sure it is coolant and not just condensation from the air con? If the air con drain tube is blocked, the condensation will come into the cabin.

[wiseman]

[QUOTE=Not_An_Abba_Fan;

Are you sure it is coolant and not just condensation from the air con? If the air con drain tube is blocked, the condensation will come into the cabin.[/QUOTE]

Yeah mate, it's definately Coolant. Bright green in colour.
Only happened the once so far, when the temp gauge got about 3/4.
I suspected it is where the hoses go onto the heater core, but i have no clue how to get to it, i can see heater core on drivers side, but passenger side seems to be covered in.

I not long ago just replaced all the radiator and heater hoses, plus radiator cap(was leaking). But only all the ones under the bonnet. Not any behind the firewall.

My air con drain tube is clear,(drains out just behind the gearbox somewhere i think), as it leaves a puddle of water about halfway along, under the car.

Thanks
wiseman

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

You should be able to see where the heater hoses go to the firewall, I'm pretty sure the clamps are on the outside, If not, it's a big job.

[hako]

As NAAF says, it will be a big job and probably is the heater core as you say the coolant is leaking on the opposite side to where the hoses connect. Dash has to come out which is 8 hours minimum. You can always block the heater off which is what I'd do if you never use it.

[Brett_jjj]

Check out this link ,theres some pictures on it,check them out,heaps easier and cheaper than the usual "dash out" way.Heaps of other cars run rubber heater hose to the heater core, so its just as good as new anyway if you do it this way.heater core on VS

[wiseman]

Check out this link ,theres some pictures on it,check them out,heaps easier and cheaper than the usual "dash out" way.Heaps of other cars run rubber heater hose to the heater core, so its just as good as new anyway if you do it this way.heater core on VS

Yeah thanks, i found that and it looks heaps easier.
As i said, it has only happened once, the other day when the temp gauge went over half way.
Today was just as hot, but it did not leak.
My mechanic told me to put some Radiator stop leak in, and stop stressing out about it.
Which is what im gunna do for now.

I need a new power steering pump, it leaks too!
Seems everything starts to break down when they get to 200,000KM.
Last month was the DFI unit, that cost a fortune.