Sidekick Leaking Coolant!

schmors · 10-23-2009, 04:51 PM

I have a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick 1.6 16v 4WD and it's leaking coolant. I just put a new water pump in it which fixed the biggest leak, but now, of course, I noticed I have another..

It looks like its coming from a little thing on the back of the engine, right below the distributer. It kinda looks like a thermostat. I think its part of the heater, maybe the heater valve or something? Looks like its leaking around the gasket, but then looking from the passenger fender side looks like maybe coming from above it? Or it could be some oil above it, I'm not sure. But it's definitely leaking coolant, though not spewing it like it was before I swaped the water pump.

Here's a couple pictures of it (kinda hard to see)

reburg99 · 10-23-2009, 05:26 PM

Looks like heater core hoses, although I can't say for sure. I'm leaving in a few minutes I take a look at mine and see where they go. Have you tried giving them a turn, too see if they are just loose?

schmors · 10-23-2009, 05:56 PM

I don't think its a hose that's leaking, though I did just go out and wiggle them and they seem tight. I'm pretty sure its that unit in the first picture, it looks like its seeping between where it bolts onto the block, like the gasket's leaking. Like where the arrow is pointing in the first picture. You can't see the leak very well int he picture, but in real life, especailly after I drive it, you can see it pretty well. I just can't figure out the name of that unit. The guy at Auto Zone couldn't figure it out either.
Thanks for the help!

kick-fix · 10-25-2009, 12:06 AM

under pressure , it will be obvious.
get it real hot. stop ,pop hood, motor off.
flashlight and mirror.

the 12psi , natural pressure is your friend. all leaks will happen now.
all you do is just look.

over-heating-why?

second photo. part id 20 , main water to heater core.

see it?

kick-fix · 10-25-2009, 12:20 AM

that part is a suzuki part. AZ dont carry may motor parts , but may have full overhaul gasket set. and others but this is a dealer part , i think.

if it leaks ,remove it, inspect it for damage or crackes.

do not force them screws holding it, or you will then need a head job.

then repace the gasket.

make sure the hose is not leaking first.

id start with (at least) a new hose and gasket.

need suz pn?

see attached.

schmors · 10-25-2009, 02:47 AM

wow, thanks for all the info.
I'm pretty sure its coming from that water outlet but I'll try the running it, stopping it, and looking to make sure.
Would I need to drain all coolant to take it off?

On that suz parts diagram, the gasket for the water outlet says thermostat case. Does that mean its the same gasket as the stat? If so i'm guessing even auto zone would have that one..

Thanks again for all the info, you know your stuff.

kick-fix · 10-25-2009, 12:52 PM

great question.

PL shows diff pn for both.

keep in mind a good engineer would not design a new outlet just for fun.
that 57Bnn may be off some other Suzuki motor?
so its a typo or 57 other motor. ( there are hidden codes, i just dont know them)

i cut gaskets so simple as that 5 minute with exacto knife. (ever do the ball peen hammer trick)
but be sure you have coolant rated gasket materal on hand ( Napa sells bulk mater'al)
i buy enough for 5 years. keep it on hand

i just hate driving 80 miles for silly gasket.
IMO
id clean back side with motor cleaner. then when is all clean, then get it fully hot and just look.

you know , the coolant at 12psi can squirt from a hose (or ?) and really fool you.
once fooled 10 times one learns to never try to read a dirty cold motor.

clean.
hot.
look,
never ever fails.!!!

and hoses hate to be re-used. ( 15 year old hoses)

we call this HEADING IT OFF at the PASS.

see, on old cars , expect problems , when you have at it.

siezed bolts, old hoses,,,,???

fuzzy1 · 10-25-2009, 01:09 PM

In your 2nd pic, I can see that the heater hose still has its original 'spring' type clamp on it, & that the hose looks a bit swelled just past it. My guess would be that it's the original hose, because most people replace those spring clamps when they replace a hose. As Jerry said, clean it & look, but I'd do the hose & clamps 1st, long before thinking of pulling the fitting & gasket. As for the oil, it's likely the dizzy o-rings... PM MarkB.NV he has spares of the viton o-rings. (& thx again Mark!) Hth

Fuzz

kick-fix · 10-25-2009, 02:05 PM

i never use screw clamps , i love spring clamps , they never ever get loose.
I will if i must. The have data proving they are superior. I've never seen fail. springs.
if you cant get to it and screw clamps fit easier , YES.

all i can say is old hoses, suck, no they blow, they blow coolant and the blow at first chance.

why run antique hoses on a good running motor.?
if you over heat it ,you may have a motor worth nothing.

My dad would replace 1 hose a month , and cuss each one as it failed.
not me, 1 fails,all look oem and origional, OUT THEY COME. ALL OF THEM.

why anyone would choose and other path baffles me.
It amazes me ,when they lasted over 10 years.

not to many years ago ,that would never happen , until EPDM rubber.

imho,ymmv,

SALUD