Re: Big water leak under car (console area) (archive)

Car started to overheat and steam came out everywhere inside and outside the car. After adding water, I notice water just pouring out under car around the console area.
Could it be a water heater hose or core? How complicated is it to fix if that is the ploblem?
Thanks

The message is a little vague, but I take it you mean that the water is puddling OUTSIDE the car, below the "console area," and not INSIDE in the "console area."

If it is INSIDE, then its pretty much got to be the heater core or the plastic tubes that run to it.

If it is OUTSIDE, then the most likely culprit is one of the hoses in the spagetti-jumble of heater hoses on the right (driver in U.S.) side of the car. There are four hoses, plus a little electric pump and plastic routing valve. All are susceptible to deterioration. They are difficult to get to and replace. My guess is that replacing the hoses alone will run about $160 for the hoses and $200 for the labor.

It also is possible that the plastic water tank on the firewall is cracked.

If the car isn't leaking too badly, my advice is to motor over to a radiator shop and have them do a pressure test on the cooling system. The test should pinpoint the leak. If it is one of the hoses, don't "save" $ by just replacing one.

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