Sidekick Coolant Leak

schmors · 09-22-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a '95 sidekick that is leaking coolant. It drips even with the car just sitting and has a new radiator.

It looks like its coming from the oil pan gasket? Does that make any sence? Wouldn't think it would have coolant in there. Are there any hoses I somehow couldn't see right around there or something? Its got me kinda stumpped so I thought I'd check if any smarter people than myself could help me out. Thanks!

grc1 · 09-22-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schmors

I have a '95 sidekick that is leaking coolant. It drips even with the car just sitting and has a new radiator.

It looks like its coming from the oil pan gasket? Does that make any sence? Wouldn't think it would have coolant in there. Are there any hoses I somehow couldn't see right around there or something? Its got me kinda stumpped so I thought I'd check if any smarter people than myself could help me out. Thanks!

Hi, odds are that its your water pump. When mine went I had exactly the same simptums that you are having.When the water pump goes the antifreeze drips onto the front of the motor and collects at the front lip of the oil pan.

When you change the water pump Its also a good idea to change the timing belt and ideler.

schmors · 09-22-2009, 05:45 PM

yeah sure enough, that looks like the problem. Do I really need the whole water pump or just a new gasket?
Thank you

CodyJ · 09-22-2009, 06:41 PM

Water pump... the front seal is probably gone, but you won't ever know. I've heard reports remanufactered ones are not as good, but I have two remanufactered ones from AdvancedAutoParts and they aren't leaking... guess I will find out how they do this winter!

grc1 · 09-22-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schmors

yeah sure enough, that looks like the problem. Do I really need the whole water pump or just a new gasket?
Thank you

You shoud get a whole new/reman water pump. They will come with a gasket.

kick-fix · 09-22-2009, 10:48 PM

the leak can come from any place here (mostly)
imagine a crack,and the fluid under pressure, it will squirt. and where it lands is random and random gets.

the best practice ( shot gunning is cruel mistress) is to get it hot hot hot and just look.
it will squirt.

95 something, you didnt say, 8v or 16v.
see drawing for your motor.

how-to-find-EFI-parts

the system is under pressure after driving say 5 miles.

you didnt say on which of the 4 sides the motor it leaks.

on these old cars.replacing all the hose and that O ring behind the pump will save the motor from the next over heat..amd warped head.

95 is way too long on hose.

also check the weep hole on the water pump , top and on bottom of some,
on the main shaft portion of pump housing.

cheers.

i hope your guess is good. could be a $5 hose.

schmors · 10-23-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks everyone for the help. I replaced the water pump yesterday and it fixed the problem! It was definitely coming from there. Now I have a differnt leak (I think it was there the whole time, I just thought it was part of the water pump leak).

Maybe I should have used this thread, but I started a new one about it: http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-...tml#post191508

Thanks!

kick-fix · 10-23-2009, 09:37 PM

no set of hoses was made to last 15, nor 20 years.

every car is see, ppl think that. funny.