Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Mitsubishi Delica L400 production commenced in 1994 -- After much anticipation, the L400 arrived on Canadian Soil in 2009!
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sfd_656
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Vehicle: l400
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Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by sfd_656 »

Hello,

We have just returned from a trip to Alberta, on the way home we had a few small drips of coolant leak from under the dash on the passenger side. Not enough to drastically affect fluid levels but leaks don't fix themselves... Am I right to assume this is a front heater core leak? Also if anyone has ordered parts recently and know decent pricing? Amazing Auto has them advertised at $350 which seems a bit steep.

Thanks,
Sean
sfd_656
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:33 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: l400
Location: kamloops

Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by sfd_656 »

Also any thoughts on the pour in repair liquid? I think i know the answers but my mechanic says I am looking at a 800-1000$ bill just for this and the old girl is starting to get miled out at 300k.
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Growlerbearnz
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Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by Growlerbearnz »

The heater cores on L400s do fail sometimes. The mechanic's price sounds reasonable- I presume you've read the entry in the TRL regarding replacement? http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=15409

That said, are you certain it's coolant? The AC can generate water which can leak into the footwell. I'd be crawling under the dashboard with a flashlight to check.

The pour-in muck is awful. It may seal your leak, but it'll also bind with all the sediment in your cooling system, creating clumps that can clog small cooling passages and cause localised overheating issues in the engine.

As for pricing, how much is a new core from Japan via Amayama.com? find the part number and check pricing by following these steps: http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=17210
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
sfd_656
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:33 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: l400
Location: kamloops

Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by sfd_656 »

I confirmed that it is coolant, the leak is sufficient enough to be sure of that. The estimate is reasonable for the job, he is a good mechanic and trusted just hurts a bit...

Currently going to bypass the core this week and part shop for a new one for a bit. Do you happen to know the diameter for the hoses I can't get a good look at them with inter-cooler and battery in place.

Any thoughts on a re-core or having a new one custom made?

Thanks again
Sean
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Growlerbearnz
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Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by Growlerbearnz »

Heater hoses are usually 15mm internal diameter, but I don't know for certain on an L400. No idea about the price of rebuilding a core in Canadia. What was the cost of a new one from Mitsubishi?
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
sfd_656
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:33 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: l400
Location: kamloops

Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by sfd_656 »

$350-399 for a new one from the dealer in bc. There may be some used ones available still have to check a few more online sources.Thanks for the info.
sfd_656
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:33 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: l400
Location: kamloops

Cooling water leaking into cabin.

Post by sfd_656 »

Got it bypassed, now just looking for a core to put in, wary of a used one as this is apparently an un-enjoyable process.
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