flooded car possible, need help!

[radley]

Again if it is not leaking don't do the cream and pepper thing,I read your post again and thought your head gasket was leaking.Sounds like it was just a hose.Ill try to pay better attention.

NO, IT might be a head gasket... i did see little air bubbles when it was running on saturday, and temp was up towards 220. fans were blowing, but it was running hot. THE hose leak was minor I think....and I just happened to notice that. The air coming bubble by the head gasket concerns me, and twice now, that's where coolant had pooled, right below it.

i'll keep an eye on it, temp-wise and not try to stray too far in case she gets warm. I saw twice now where some coolant had leaked out and pooled onto the engine, so I'll keep your home remedy in mind.... but not too excited about putting crap into resevoir again...did that once with leak stop stuff and it was all sticky in the hoses and etc....

 

[sdt354]

There should be a fuel pump fuse in the fusebox.

+1 to the fuse for the pump. There is a lot going on, and quickly with a car or truck that takes a dip. A friend backed another friends Suburban into a river launching his boat one time. To the roof, said he was sorry. We got it out and running within an hour. But the truck was doomed. Transmission, third member, transfer case, and electrical systems weren't long for this world. Fresh water won't be as fast or as harsh, but many systems effected.
Getting her running was great progress. I hope it works out for you.

 

[poppop]

Caseyjones is right about the wheel bearings I just skated across without mentioning the part.As far as the cream and pepper thing,It has worked for me,I used it in a 89 chevy truck 350.That was putting coolant in the combustion chamber and putting steam out the pipe it was mine worked for years.but i used a lot more than im telling you to use.Also sed it in a friends drag car the engine block had cracked from freeze plug to freeze plug,Block had been left with only water over the winter,I did the cream and pepper thing he raced it all that year.That was several years ago.Will it work for you?I really hope it does,Once they start leaking badly there finished.Like i said eariler it will leak a little then quit leak a lil more quit.Usally takes around 50 or so miles All in how much it comes up to temperature.Do you have a radiator cap?Ive never poured it into a reservoir.If it get;s to leaking too badly that's it.Had to do the drag car several times afterwards it had a slight overheating problem.3 to 4 times.If it were mine i would try.If it has no radiator cap i would drain the coolant pour it straight in the radiator by removing the upper hose get a gallon of antifreeze top it off with water.Small can of black pepper condensed cream prefered regular cream add 3 cans and mabye another 1/2 can of pepper after 25 miles or so.I wish you the very best.Guy that owned the drag car said in his words.THAT **** STINKS!BUT IT WORKS!Damn if we only knew the future.It's up to you,God luck.Poppop.

 

[radley]

Thanks thanks thanks guys...
What kind of cream, heavy whipping cream? I'm a bit nervous to put food in my car but hey, the passenger floor is full of wrappers... lol. I'll keep the pepper/cream on standby for now..

Car still running ok. Ordered a hub for left side..they are only 20 bucks, so why not. FIgured I'd have to fix that if I wanted to sell this thing for a towner car to some local..we will see. Rotors are shot too, needs new calipers on front cuz they aren't wearing evenly I dont think. I think the caliper isn't squeezing evenly, wearing one pad and not the other, rotors warped now, probably got to fix that stuff too in order to sell..

haven't taken it past town yet, haven't had to, but will have to. Going to need to look into another vehicle soon anyways, but not sure if I should just drive this til she goes for good or not... for time being, things are ok...for now.

Poppop, impressive with your pepper cream fix, like you said if it leaks, then doesn't, then leaks, etc....thinking I may try to get rid of this thing before that happens... if I'm looking into another vehicle I'll see what you all think about, say a 2003-ish Jeep 6cyl inline....heard they have hearty engines... or maybe the same car, less miles, better shape... now I'm learning how to work on them, lol! not sure, might need trailer/towing power for the bike....might have to start thinking aout THUNDER 2017..... is THUNDER always in PA? Are there any midwest get togethers?

ok back to my other thread, took apart 2 more carbs, one soaking, will post pics up.

 

[caseyjones955]

Thanks thanks thanks guys...
What kind of cream, heavy whipping cream? I'm a bit nervous to put food in my car but hey, the passenger floor is full of wrappers... lol. I'll keep the pepper/cream on standby for now..

Car still running ok. Ordered a hub for left side..they are only 20 bucks, so why not. FIgured I'd have to fix that if I wanted to sell this thing for a towner car to some local..we will see. Rotors are shot too, needs new calipers on front cuz they aren't wearing evenly I dont think. I think the caliper isn't squeezing evenly, wearing one pad and not the other, rotors warped now, probably got to fix that stuff too in order to sell..

haven't taken it past town yet, haven't had to, but will have to. Going to need to look into another vehicle soon anyways, but not sure if I should just drive this til she goes for good or not... for time being, things are ok...for now.

Poppop, impressive with your pepper cream fix, like you said if it leaks, then doesn't, then leaks, etc....thinking I may try to get rid of this thing before that happens... if I'm looking into another vehicle I'll see what you all think about, say a 2003-ish Jeep 6cyl inline....heard they have hearty engines... or maybe the same car, less miles, better shape... now I'm learning how to work on them, lol! not sure, might need trailer/towing power for the bike....might have to start thinking aout THUNDER 2017..... is THUNDER always in PA? Are there any midwest get togethers?

ok back to my other thread, took apart 2 more carbs, one soaking, will post pics up.

The 258/4.0 Jeep engine is pretty sound, the rest of the vehicle would probably dissapoint if the goal is racking up trouble free miles. Light towing/reliability, T100 or Tacoma, maybe a MT F150. The later might be at a bargain. I have treated my Gran Marquis like a truck to. Absurdly robust for a passenger car.

As far as midwest rally I'm down if there is sufficient interest. Spring and fall see wide open roads. If anyone wants to enjoy a scenic ride without being entwined in city traffic this is a gold mine. I have put out feelers for Black Hills/Badlands but I think its to far. We're a bit west of most. It would be cool to meet folks and distance is no problem for me but I have a significant aversion to cities, hordes and traffic.

 

[radley]

We're a bit west of most. It would be cool to meet folks and distance is no problem for me but I have a significant aversion to cities, hordes and traffic.

Took the car to twin cities yesterday to go to Harbor Freight and pick up an Ultrasonic cleaner. Put on 150+ miles, temp remained constant at 180-ish. Was easy on throttle and etc. traffic was good and moved well so that helped, but car ran well and temp was good and all that....so it appears I've got the car recovered in that realm.

I ordered 2 new front hubs, rotors and pads. I think the caliper pistons are stuck, so it's either try rebuilding them or jsut replace them, otherwise I'll be doing rotors and pads again next year...not sure what to do for sure..... 80 bucks for calipers Oreillys I think. never replaced those yet on a vehicle, would be good experience but who knows how long the car will last, so... not sure if worth putting new on... but i need new rotors and pads. rotors warped and since replacing hubs, guess I'll do that too.

I'll keep an eye on temp and coolant levels, but as far as engine, seems to be good.

I'll keep ya'll posted, but in meantime, THANK YOU to all who have helped me through this. I got a couple other things I need to fix on the girl, so I'll use this thread for that too... stereo related.. fitting issue and SUB OUT doesn't seem to be working, but that's later on. Let me take care of the front end hubs etc.

So, BUY CALIPERS TOO?....should I buy or should I not?

 

[radley]

Ok.... waiting for answer on calipers..

NEW ISSUE...

noticed my steering was getting real tough, losing power steering. bought some fluid, filled it up last night... was good today...til recently.

I am moving, so dropping off stuff, noticed a pool of fluid in the driveway of my new place, yep, steering fluid. i am leaking power steering fluid.

Had the car parked not very long, and saw that there was 2 spots of leaking fluid in front of passenger side, definitely a decent leak...

What are common issues with this? anyone know where/how this is happening?

it jsut started, or has been going since the swim, not sure. when fluid is in there,, steering is good, but leaking pretty decent now.

I gotta try to rememdy this, find the leak, etc.. what are common spots, things to look for?

I can jack the front end up, and try to find the leak in the daylight tomorrow, but damn, bad timing.. I am moving and dunno if I'll have much time.. I can just keep it wet and fill it up/keep it full til I have more time, but trying to get a head start on this tonight...

What do you guys think? Power Steering Fluid leaking....?!!

thanks!

Im so ready to fix MORE sh*t on my car! lol..

 

[Fire-medic]

The PS pump could be leaking but I suspect a high pressure side hose. I've replaced them before, but they often last the life of the vehicle. Clean up where you think it's leaking & see if you can ID the location.

The GM 'F' body I replaced a PS pump on needed me to swap over the PS pump reservoir sheet metal. I've replaced high pressure side hoses on PS systems, the return hose is usually a common piece of fiber-reinforced rubber tubing.

 

[Miles Long]

I had to replace a high-pressure side tube on my Mazda Protege several years ago. Total P.I.T.A. to get at. The ends had to be flared, like brake tubing.
I've also had a low-pressure side leak on one of the cooling lines that snake in front of the radiator. This was an easy fix, using a piece of rubber hose and hose clamps.
Don't let the fluid in the reservoir get too low. Rumor has it power steering pumps are very expensive to replace.
As medic says, you have to find out where the leaking is occurring. Hopefully it will be on the L.P. side.
Cheers!

 

[Traumahawk]

Don't let the fluid in the reservoir get too low. Rumor has it power steering pumps are very expensive to replace.

Cheers!

Yes they are. I had to change the PS pump on the wifes 01 Grand Am, and this was in 04. Had to swap the pulley from the old pump, to the new pump....which of course required a special tool, that i didnt have.

 

[radley]

I can't find the leak..
My father and I jacked the car up and took a look. I had him fire it up and turn the wheels over and over... I looked at the high pressure hose, cleaned HP and LP and the hoses seem good. the HP hose comes down, and goes across the bottom of the car to the steering column. The leak is on the passenger side, low down it seems. I think it is a LP leak, but can't really see very well past a certain point... I just can't find it, but it is still leaking, that's for sure. Leaks more after driving around town, versus highway miles, which makes sense, more straight roads, less turning.

The leak is collecting and dripping off of the chassis and dropping off of it on either side, so there are 2 spots...i look underneath and the PS fluid is all around there, so that's got to be where it is leaking, doesn't seem so much the high pressure line..... hmmmm.. I wish I had a hoist to get a better view, ya know?

Looking at some PS system pics now... rack end seal? The leaking seems to be on that side, and low down. So there's the pinion, which is part of the steering column, with grooves that move the rack Left or Right, from what I am seeing... maybe that end rack seal towards passenger side....?

after more research., looking like I need to replace the steering rack.... wow, damn, I'm learning quite a bit about car maintenance this summer!

Gimme your thoughts guys ! Much appreciated.... Poppop, where you at bro?

Thinking I should probably take off the wheel and the plastic inner fender thing and get a closer look, make sure it's within the rack and not just the connection where the rack meets the "to rotary valve" line..?

 

[caseyjones955]

At each end of the PS rack body you will see a bellow (accordion looking dust cover boot thingy) where the tie rod goes into the rack body, you can pull those back some and see if there is any fluid pooling up in there. It's another place for a leak to form.

Another thought on HP line leaks, I have seen pinhole leaks in those so small that the stream of fluid coming from that hole is difficult to see with the naked eye, makes it hard to find the leak. I use a clean white T shirt and move it around the line where I can while someone turns the wheel. An elusive leak is easier to find if the surrounding areas has been wiped clean/dry.

Another indication of a worn rack is Morning Sickness (difficult operation while cold) and doesn't necessarily come with leaks but indicates a worn rack.

 

[poppop]

Hey bro, this is gonna be one of those wipe and peak things,Only way to fix it is to find it.Racks are usually expensive and can be a bear to replace,Others are walks in the park,If it is the rack you can add a little brake fluid to your power steering reservoir if it's the rack may soften the seals if it's a hose it's gonna pour within 50 or so miles.Another one of those may work things.Be careful gettin under that car,Knew a guy that did road service standing inside the front tire of a road tractor the lower radiator hose blowed,scalded him badly.Good luck.poppop.

 

[Traumahawk]

How about B-12 to seal a leak? My Old Father in Law recommended it to seal a leak around around the shaft and pulley. Worked like a charm. My wife drove the car for another year before we sold the car.

 

[radley]

How about B-12 to seal a leak? My Old Father in Law recommended it to seal a leak around around the shaft and pulley. Worked like a charm. My wife drove the car for another year before we sold the car.

What's B-12? I can't find anything other than the vitamin...

It's hotter than a pissa out the next couple of days, so possibly Sunday I'll get the car jacked up again (once it is cooled) and try to find the leak, maybe take the wheel off and the plastic inner fender pieces to get a good glimpse.

The rack is $100 on Ebay for refurbished. Lifetime warranty - once you send the core back from the old one, the warranty activates, so, I'll try to find the leak first.....keep ya posted.

 

[blaxmax]

What's B-12? I can't find anything other than the vitamin...

It's hotter than a pissa out the next couple of days, so possibly Sunday I'll get the car jacked up again (once it is cooled) and try to find the leak, maybe take the wheel off and the plastic inner fender pieces to get a good glimpse.

The rack is $100 on Ebay for refurbished. Lifetime warranty - once you send the core back from the old one, the warranty activates, so, I'll try to find the leak first.....keep ya posted.

B-12 is carb cleaner also know as chemtool.

http://www.staples.com/Chemtool-Car...&KPID=762587&gclid=CJDxvcuUg84CFcVefgodLU4GhA

 

[Traumahawk]

Yep go into your nearest parts store and ask for a can....its a couple of bucks, and refill the PS pump with it, it should make the seals expand, and help seal the leak (well it should, unless its a hose, etc)

 

[radley]

Thanks guys. I was picking up anothe quart of PS fluid (for refilling - til I fix the darn thing) and found some LUCAS PS fluid, guaranteed to stop a leak in the rack, etc... it's thick and simply says that it will guarantee to stop a leak or money back. It was ten bucks...so... for now I'll run with that. Assuming it won't be a long-term solution but, til I have time to replace the rack, this will have to do...and we'll see how it goes.

 

[radley]

Hey guys,

I took the passenger wheel off and tried to clean it up a bit. A couple weeks ago my father and I tried to locate the leak, couldn't. lines seem to be in tact, no leaks up top or the PS fill resevoir, all leaking down below.

I checked out the boot for the PS rack on that side, and check out the pics. I visually saw PS fluid dripping out of the gaping hole in the boot.

So here's my question, is there a line or something that might leaking that goes in that boot, and the line connection to the rack is leaking, or is the boot have no lines coming in/out of it, and the seal is bad on that side, and filling the boot up with some PS fluid, and it is leaking out of it?

Its my suspicion that that is the case....bad seal on rack,,,,leaking into boot,,,gaping hole in boot leaking out the PS fluid....

IS there anything else I can check/etc while the wheel is off? PS, the pics are upside down...

 

[scuff]

seal is bad on that side the boot is only there to keep out dirt