I was replacing my exhaust this weekend to fix an exhaust leak, and I noticed there was coolant puddled around a section of the coolant pipe nearest the y-pipe. I'm not sure what the part is or does, but the coolant was puddled around what looked like a bolt or somesuch that has a hex hole in it. First off, if you know what I'm referring to, what is it there for? Draining coolant for a flush or something? Second, how do I get it sealed so it stops leaking? My defrost and heater weren't working this morning on the way to work, and it was a very cold -2 degree drive with poor visibility. Loss of coolant was probably what stopped the heater from working. I forgot to pick up more to top it off, I'll do that at lunch today, but that's only a temp fix.

You may want to look above that point. There could be a bad hose or a crossover pipe (v6). As for this plug... that is what it is, a drain plug. You could take it out, put some sealant on it and put it back, but I would think that it couldn't drip enough to cause a problem. Check your coolant level first, then look for a leak on a hose, or connection to a hose. I have see a crossover coolant pipe spring a leak at a hose connection.

J.

quote Originally posted by kwagner: I was replacing my exhaust this weekend to fix an exhaust leak, and I noticed there was coolant puddled around a section of the coolant pipe nearest the y-pipe. I'm not sure what the part is or does, but the coolant was puddled around what looked like a bolt or somesuch that has a hex hole in it. First off, if you know what I'm referring to, what is it there for? Draining coolant for a flush or something? Second, how do I get it sealed so it stops leaking? My defrost and heater weren't working this morning on the way to work, and it was a very cold -2 degree drive with poor visibility. Loss of coolant was probably what stopped the heater from working. I forgot to pick up more to top it off, I'll do that at lunch today, but that's only a temp fix.

If this is a V6, the rear crossover pipe bolts to the tranny and feeds the drivers side coolant pipe. If this is the original crossover pipe it could be rusted through. I think Rodney sells a SS replacement. This pipe runs along the back of the engine from the filler neck to the firewall side (bolted to tranny) and then a coolant hose to the coolant pipe that runs the length of the car to the radiator.
You could try a temporary repair with JB Weld, but if is is rusted badly enough, it won't hold...........Paul

Sorry, yes this is on an 86 v6 auto. I'll check all hoses I can see/reach.

quote Originally posted by kwagner: the coolant was puddled around what looked like a bolt or somesuch that has a hex hole in it. Draining coolant for a flush or something?

Thats the coolant tube that runs under the car --up to the front towards the radiator. It`s probally coming down (since it slants downward) from the cross-over pipes hoses and landing at the lowest point, start up at the top hose (coming off the thermo neck) then follow it down the back side (thats the hard part) of the engine, hopefully its just a hose leak following along the cross over pipe to the lowest point--which would be where your describing. Ohh yep you can drain those under chassis pipes if desired --I wouldn`t fool with them --as after you manage to get one of those plugs out, they never go back in right or strip on you.

For a temp fix you know you can get stop leak at any part house.

If you have damage to the long pipes you may want to consider a welded skin patch before you replace (if you ever have too). A good muffler shop should be able to help you with a skin patch if needed.

If you remove the drain plugs as stated they can be a "B" I suggest using antisieze grease on them before re-installing them.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys
From the looking I can do from outside in the cold, it looks like at least the rubber hose between the crossover pipe and the bottom pipe is leaking, on both ends. The area around the drain plug was dry, so probably not a culprit (thankfully). Original hoses, probably all of them should be replaced. Just one more $ to add to the $$$ already spent on the car (downtime is the more frustrating factor). Someday it will be worth it, though