Cooling
Coolant Leaks — How to Find and Fix Them
Coolant leaks cause overheating and engine damage. Common sources include hoses, the radiator, water pump, and heater matrix.
Losing coolant is one of the most urgent issues on any vehicle. Even a small leak can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine damage. Common leak sources include perished radiator hoses, a corroded or cracked radiator, a leaking water pump weep hole, a failed expansion tank cap, and a leaking heater matrix inside the cab (which causes a sweet smell and damp carpets). Checking the coolant level regularly and inspecting underneath the vehicle for puddles (pink, blue, or green fluid) helps catch leaks early. Pressure testing the cooling system is the most reliable way to locate small or intermittent leaks that are not visible when the engine is cold.
Key takeaways
- Check coolant level regularly — even small drops can indicate a developing leak
- Pressure testing the cooling system finds leaks that are not visible when cold
- A sweet smell inside the cab often means the heater matrix is leaking
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