Where is the Antifreeze Leaking From My Engine?

Where is the Antifreezing Leaking from my engine!?! Having a leak can be extremely frustrating, but having an antifreeze leak can is the worst. Antifreeze leaks can be so difficult to find because the antifreeze runs all over and gets blown around by the wind and your engine cooling fan until everything is a bit wet and you’re confused.

Antifreeze leaks are also the worst because they are often relatively quick leaks that can allow your engine to run out of coolant fairly quickly. A low antifreeze level means overheating and overheating can mean engine damage so you want to stay far away from that! Antifreeze leaks are the most common cause, but there are a few other reasons your engine may be overheating.

Finding an antifreeze leak is tough because antifreeze is running all over your car:

Where is the Antifreeze Leaking From My Engine?

Thermostat housing
Upper or lower radiator hose
Heater core hoses
Oil cooler
Transmission cooler
Water pump
Intake manifold
Throttle body
Engine block water jacket
Timing cover

So where do we start??

Finding a cooling system leak should almost always start with a system pressure test. Many auto parts stores will loan this tool out to help you find the leak in your system. Besides the pressure test kit, you may also need additional coolant, a bright flashlight, a mirror and it can be helpful to have compressed air to blow on your engine around possible leaks points to dry them off quickly so you can see even the smallest of leaks.

If the leak is so small you can’t find it using a pressure test, you can always step up to a UV dye test.

For most of the possible antifreeze leak locations in your vehicle, the best thing to do is simply replace the leaking component. Radiator, cooler, or heater core hoses are usually very inexpensive and can be changed simply with a pair of pliers and a flathead screwdriver. Similarly, leaking thermostat housings or water pumps can be fixed with simple o-rings or gaskets which again are relatively inexpensive.

There are 2 places where antifreeze leaking from my engine could make me consider a less expensive repair. A leaking radiator or leaking engine block. Replacing either of these components can add up to hefty repair bills which may not be worth completing on your car. If the hard part repair doesn’t make sense for you on a leaking radiator or engine block, consider using BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer to seal the leak without having to replace any parts! BlueDevil Radiator and Block Sealer is easy to use and provides a guaranteed repair!