Goblin blood on my garage floor

[Ldub]

Which reminds me, is it safe to pressure wash under the hood? Or is this a bad idea?

As far as looking around the intake, I don't even know what that is. Is this where the airbox pulls air into the engine? I will have to fire up the manual and see what I can see.Bart

Pressure washing under hood probably isn't a good idea...lots of electrical connections etc. that hate water...especially high press. water that can get into places it shouldn't be.

Here's a pic with some red things indicating where to look...


See if you can trace the thing that the middle red thing is pointing to (that the upper radiator hose attaches to), back under the intake manifold where it attaches to the block...this valley under the intake is most likely where your leak is.
There are heater hoses, thermostat housing, etc. under there that could be the scource.
BTW, you'll need a flashlight...

[nfpgasmask]

OK, so, my VX has been sitting all night in the cold garage.

The level of my fluid in the reservoir has dropped almost 3/4" since yesterday!! But, there is no sign of a leak??? No puddle, no wetness underneath, nothing!

I opened the radiator cap, and fluid is right there at the top, nice and green. Since the truck has been sitting for 12 hours, could the pressure drop and thus cause the fluid level in the reservoir to drop? I guess I will find out in a little while after I drive around for a bit.

One thing I did test: I stopped running the heat (not to my wife's liking, but) and it seems the leaking has stopped or is going somewhere I cannot see at least. I guess I should try blasting the heat and see if more fluid comes out. I know you said I would notice a smell or wetness in the truck if it was my heater core, but...????

This is frustrating....

Bart

[Tone]

I suggested pressure washing UNDER the engine where the leak was seen in filth but there is nothing under the hood that can't handle water or if there is, I'd want to know about it now instead of stranded on the road. Remember, vehicles operate OUTSIDE. Of course you don't put the tip of the 1500psi washer right on anything but 12-18" is not a problem.

I just reviewed the new pics and if it is not under the intake manifold (no answer on the smell question...) then the o'rings on the front coolant manifold (where the top radiator and heater hose attach) is more suspect. It will typically only leak under pressure and bleed and stop once the engine is off. It took me a while to find it on mine and if vehicle is used for short trips only, it may not show the leak until a longer trip is taken.

[nfpgasmask]

OK Tone, thanks man. As far as smell goes, there is a faint ting of antifreeze under the hood after a good drive, but no visible vaporization or anything. The small is probably from the warm engine vaporizing the coolant that is spilled down there. I have seen no steam or anything. I'm gonna do some more testing today. I have to take my wife to the mall ( ) and its a good hwy drive to get there so I will report back later with the details.

Everyone, thanks for the help.

Bart

I suggested pressure washing UNDER the engine where the leak was seen in filth but there is nothing under the hood that can't handle water or if there is, I'd want to know about it now instead of stranded on the road. Remember, vehicles operate OUTSIDE. Of course you don't put the tip of the 1500psi washer right on anything but 12-18" is not a problem.

I just reviewed the new pics and if it is not under the intake manifold (no answer on the smell question...) then the o'rings on the front coolant manifold (where the top radiator and heater hose attach) is more suspect. It will typically only leak under pressure and bleed and stop once the engine is off. It took me a while to find it on mine and if vehicle is used for short trips only, it may not show the leak until a longer trip is taken.

[nfpgasmask]

OK, so after I drove around for a while yesterday, my coolant level in the tank went back up to where I filled it. The VX is running/driving just fine. However, after I got home last night, I slid under again with a flashlight, and sure enough, I found a single, new, wet drip of goblin blood in the same area. So its probably been leaking like this for several months without me knowing.

From everything everyone has said here, I looks like the most likely area is around the intake. I guess I will try to take a few things apart when I have some time and see if I can find the leak source.

I had my wife fire up the engine while I look around under the hood and I didn't see anything spurt or hear any hissing or anything, which kinda sucks I guess.

Do you all think its ok to drive like this? I mean, its gonna be a couple weeks before I can afford to take it in, especially if I end up needing to rent a car or take cabs to work.

Bart