Coolant leak by the transmission?

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Wed May 31, 2017 3:09 pm

Hello Everyone!

I noticed during one of my routine checks that my coolant reservoir was completely empty. There wasn't a puddle under the van so I assumed it only leaked while on the highway. I spend about 15mins on the highway to work that has a speed limit of 70 but I try to keep my RPM's under 3000 (Yes I'm passed constantly lol). Today when I got home I checked underneath to see if I could gather some clues where the coolant was going and noticed that there was coolant drips on the metal lines that lead to the transmission. The underside of the transmission (the flat section) had a uniform drip pattern of green/yellow fluid, almost looked like condensation. Has anyone experienced a burst metal line to the transmission? It does not leak while parked, even if I rev up the engine to 2500 RPMs. Anyone else have any tips to trace out this coolant leak?

Thanks again for all your help!!!! :)

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Wed May 31, 2017 3:44 pm

(Fortunately?) there's no coolant in or near the transmission. Those lines carry transmission fluid (a red oil) to the cooler under the drivers side step.

That said, coolant from a leaking water pump will show up near the alternator, which is right beside those steel lines. It sounds like the coolant is being blown back as you drive. Though at 70mph I guess coolant leaking from anywhere would be blown backwards.

I'd remove the engine undertray, clean up any coolant you can see, then go for a slow drive until the engine is hot. Then park at home and start looking for coolant- it'll be easier without the undertray in place. A flashlight and a mirror on a stick will help.

Good luck!

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Wed May 31, 2017 4:05 pm

I didn't know if transmission fluid was brought to the cooler or coolant to the transmission, thanks for clearing that up!

I did just get a timing belt/water pump job 3 months ago. Maybe it wasn't sealed all the way? From the residual spray, it looks like most of the coolant is coming out by where those lines are mounted on the transmission, a foot before they go into the transmission. But your right, at those high speeds, I can't really identify the exact location since its sprayed everywhere.

With the coolant not leaking while at a stand still (even while reving) I can't see anything. I'll try and remove the undertray and see what I find. Would a pressure test at a shop help this endeavor?

Thanks again!! I'm fairly new to delicas and with this being my daily driver, I'm trying to solve the problem as fast as possible.

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:35 am

A pressure test might work, but it might also be a temperature related thing. I think removing the undertray and leaving it off until you find the leaky area is a good idea.

If it's leaking from anywhere near the water pump I'd say take it back to the mechanic who installed it. I wonder if they replaced the o-ring on heater bypass pipe on the back of the pump? It might also be as simple as a hose clamp that's come loose.

The main things to check are the freeze plugs on the engine block, on the back of the block and just above the alternator. If one of those is leaking you need to get it replaced ASAP. if a freeze plug pops out while you're driving it's very, very exciting. Also expensive.

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Fri Jun 02, 2017 2:45 pm

Got some news (fairly good news since its not a headgasket/frost plug issue)!

I need to find a thermostat, housing, and gasket as well as a radiator cap.

I can see online where I can find a thermostat (I think) but to find the housing seems more difficult.

Does anyone have any part numbers for the above items?

Thanks again!

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Fri Jun 02, 2017 2:54 pm

Also if anyone knows if these parts can be sourced from the Mighty Max, Pajero, or Montero (non-diesel) I'd be pumped. I can get those parts from a local autostore. But I don't know if the pump/thermostat would be different on a gas vs diesel engine.

Morgonzo · Post by **Morgonzo** » Fri Jun 02, 2017 3:02 pm

So, your thermostat housing is leaking? Do you see any visible cracks? Maybe all you need is a new gasket? The gasket is sometimes sold separately from the Thermo (shouldn't be in my opinion...) so make sure you get both. If I remember correctly I got mine from RMI, or was it OEMMitsu..

Either way it wasn't expensive. The housing however....

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Fri Jun 02, 2017 3:14 pm

I don't know a 100% yet, the autoshop already closed and they gave me the info via a phone call. I'm going to go in tomorrow and take pictures of what I actually need. A quick google search isn't providing many avenues to a new housing :( lol

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Fri Jun 02, 2017 3:39 pm

Where are you looking? There's a post in the FAQ about how to find part numbers: http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=17210

Partsouq.com has a listing for a thermostat housing to suit my van (1991 P25W) like so:

: Screen Shot 2017-06-03 at 10.34.22.png (183.86 KiB) Viewed 7798 times

...and Amayama.com says it costs about $20. OEMmitsubishiparts.com say US$15.94: http://oemmitsubishiparts.com/oemparts/ ... 11896.html

You'll need to look up the part number for your own van. Thermostat housing style changed around 1992 for some vans (along with lower radiator hose and radiator outlet shape). As a '91 I'd guess they're the same, but Mitsubishi did like to change random things for random models, and the Chamonix had some neat extra features...

While you're ordering parts, get the O-ring for the heater water pipe (MD050461) as well. It's just behind the thermostat housing and if it were leaking it would be dripping from the same spot. I'm not confident your water pump replacement was done to the highest standard, so they might not have replaced that O-ring. Replacing the O-ring can be done without disturbing the water pump (just remove the heater water pipe, 2 tiny bolts) and is easy if you're replacing the thermostat and housing at the same time.

Good luck!

VanderBosch · Post by **VanderBosch** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 12:04 am

Hey again!

I ended up finding a used housing and was coolant leak free for almost 3 weeks. I began to notice the same spray pattern as described in the original post. However, this time a spot on the engine block caught my eye. The attached image shows what looks like a 2in crack in the block. With the RPMs over 2000, coolant begins to slowly ooze from the line directly under the freeze plug. Not the best way to start a holiday weekend... :(

As long as I keep it slow, I do not leak coolant from this crack. However, I do realize this will eventually become a big problem.

Does anyone know of either:
a) A source for new engines
b) an alternative engine that can fit with few modifications

Thanks for any help, if this should be a separate thread please let me know.

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 12:25 am

OMG that's a horror show. You have my deepest condolences!

Replacement engine- Hyundai's D4BF is a direct fit- it's actually a 4D56, just made by Hyundai. About CD$6000 though. Ouch.

Morgonzo · Post by **Morgonzo** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 6:02 am

Ouch,

that sucks! If you can find a Dodge Mighty Max pick-up truck used (they pop up on CL from time to time) the diesel ones were fitted with either the 4D55 or the 4D56. They can be had fairly cheap (1-3k depending on condition..). I'm all about Hyundai's new 4D56, but 6k is a lot of spaghetti to swallow.

Good Luck Vanderbosch