Hi,

I see a small coolant leak only after I drive my z, it is a 280zx n/a 5 speed. The leak shows on the floor under the car right behind that metal shield underneath the radiator. I can't find any coolant trace anywhere on the car. When it sits it does not leak, only after I drive it.
Any thoughts as to where the leak is coming from will be very helpful.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Check your hoses, for cracks. The upper and lower ones. Check along the seams and the top of the radiator. Look for any cracks, and also look at the radiator itself and inspect the fins. And another thing to check would be draincock, also the cap itself. Hope this helps, let me know if you need more help on this. I have dealt with this before. Also another spot to check would be your water pump. Check to make sure there is no leaks where the peeps are in the pump. Check around it for any leaks. Also maybe your overflow container. Make sure it is not leaking. It is all a matter of elimination. One thing at a time, something I have learned in over the 5 years I have owned a Z!

 

And if the peeps in your waterpump are leaking, you're looking at trouble. Replace that thing ASAP, that means it's giving out. Thats what the peeps are there for.

 

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll lift it tomorrow and take a good look at it and get back to you.

 

I have that same problem. Mine started leaking from the thermostat housing a few days ago. Apparently the gasket decided to go out even though it was just put in 2 months ago. Anyway, a good way to find the leak is start you car and look under the hood, then rev it up real high. If there are any leaks they should start spraying when the engine is in high rpms. Good luck.

 

Be careful I was missing coolant and had no trace for 2 weeks, then realized it was my head gasket, and then 2 weeks after siezed motor.. Oh well more motivation to do my 450WHP swap

 

Thats the spirit s/c, make a positive out of a detrimental negative. I'd have pulled my hair out and kicked something(not the car) if that happened to me. Of course if I had a 450HP swap waiting for me then I'd probably take it better too. Hurry up and get it done. I want be able to say I know the guy with the 450HP Z, and no, it's not a V8

 

I finally found a trace.
The trace is showing as a small coolant leak next to the oil pan, not on the oil pan. There is a metal part between the oil pan and the startar motor, I think it is a part of the stater motor, that small leak is starting on the bottom left side of the starter then moving to that metal piece between the starter and the oil pan, then dripping on the floor. I looked everywhere above the starter, disconnected the battery and put my hand everywhere above the starter, under the intake and whereever my hand can reach, but I can't find the source of the leak.
Where do you think this leak is coming from? Please help, I am afraid to drive it the way it is.
Thanks
Mike

 

Check your core plugs for any signs of leaking. Wipe everything down that's even remotely in the vicinity of the leak. And then with the car running but still cold, start your search with a flashlight. Squeeze all your hoses and see if any of them leak. They sell die that you can put in your coolant to better tell where a leak is coming from. You can check at your local parts store for this. Some of it requires UV light, but some is just really bright. With that stuff, finding the source of your leak should be alot easier.

 

Ok thanks.

 

Check the heater hoses that run along the head. I've had leaks from those several times and its always in the same place. Usually, the rubber hoses will crack where the clamp is where they connect to the head. I bet $1 thats where your leak is.

Here is a picture to help you out.

 

oh now were gambling..

 

i got a 1$ for throttle body coolant line..