Uhm...I'm a little nervous, I'm hoping someone can help.

This morning, I found a very small coolant leak on the drivers side head gasket. Is this an early signs of a failure? Am I approaching a HG replacement? Ugh.

I was hoping to hold off on any major maintenance until my relocation is complete, April 1st but I'll get the HG done if it is suggested.

 

Where on the gasket is it leaking? How fast is the leak when hot? Is there any signs of coolant in the oil? If it is a slow external leak just stay on top of the coolant level and top off as needed. Check coolant level every morning and pay attention for overheating and coolant smell. You may want to add some coolant dye to make a leak more noticeable.

 

Hi Lipad,

front most outer side, right on the corner, of the gasket on the drivers side. No signs of coolant at all in the oil. I check the oil once a week. Will keep an eye on it - no coolant smell as of yet.

I like the idea of dye - good suggestion!! Thanks!

Thanks again!

 

Make sure the throttle body hoses and gasket are not leaking. That is more likely to leak and it would drip down onto that area.

 

There are two small coolant lines there also at the throttle body. Do they take orings or a gasket. They are hooked to a plate there? Anyone can tell me what they are called so I can order them. I have no idea and need to know.
Thanks

 

The throttle body heater hoses use hose clamps, the plate itself has a gasket. I'm not sure what exactly you're asking, no o-rings exist on the throttle body heater.

 

See that you are located in New Hampshire. With the weather being extremely cold, many small leaks can develop in a cooling system. I would bet it is the hard plastic lines going to and from the heater plate on the lower part of the throttle body.

Just keep an eye on your coolant level and don't let it get too low, since air will get in and around the thermostat, which is external, and cause it to overheat.

Wait till the spring and see if it get worse. I am sure it is not your head gasket.

 

Thanks all!