Most likely source for coolant leak?

[nlinesk8s]

I tried a search and didn't exactly find what I was looking for, so here goes:

I have coolant collecting above the engine mount on the passenger side. I tool off the passenger side wheel and splash cover, and it appears to be coming down by the oil filter housing.

Using a mirror I looked thoroughly around the water pump, and everything appears to be dry.

What I do see, looking between the water pump and power steering pump, is coolant near the block itself. Does the water pump housing have a gasket at the block that is prone to leaking? Is this actually coming from somewhere else and I just can't see it?

When the lower intake manifold gasket leaks, where is it likely to show?

thanks for all help.

99 Grand Prix GT 3.8L

 

[The Guz]

The water pump has a weep hole that drips coolant when its going out. The pulley housing covers the water pump. Reach in there and see if there is coolant. If its the LIM gaskets you should be able to see the leak right around the pulley area where the intake mainfold is attached. That is where mine was leaking.

 

[nemesis]

i think it's the coolant elbows. i had the same problem. it will leak out alot more as you are driving.

 

[nlinesk8s]

I checked the areas around the pump with a mirror, and all was dry. Thanks to the advice on the forum, I also checked the elbows, and they were ok as well. I think it's leakage from the lower intake manifold gasket coming behind the alternator bracket and coming down the back side of that area.

I went ahead and bought gaskets/parts for the LIM gasket replacement, and pulled everything off yesterday. Geez what a mess. Fortunately there's a video and written set of instructions for doing the LIM eslewhere on the forum.

thanks for the responses!