Slow External Coolant Leak?

[downplay]

My grandmother's 2013 4 cylinder Cruze seems to have a very slow coolant leak.

It would seem to be in the front near the radiator somewhere.

I've noticed a very small bit of Dexcool on the ground in that area.

Is this something to worry about? Could it degrade into a worse situation quickly?

It doesn't seem to be an immediate danger to the engine as the reservoir changes
level so slowly it is easy to keep it topped up.

What should I do? Leave it alone? Pressure test? Other?

[Stealthee]

Pressure test and go from there. It could potentially blow out something and overheat and leave your grandmother stranded if left alone.

[downplay]

Do you know what is the proper PSI for this system?

I know there is no radiator cap where it is usually printed.

I'll have to go see if she has the manual. Would it be in there?

[aleekat]

Originally Posted by downplay

Do you know what is the proper PSI for this system?

I know there is no radiator cap where it is usually printed.

I'll have to go see if she has the manual. Would it be in there?

That's not what he means. Most parts stores have a loan a tool pressure tester to find out where the leak is..

[downplay]

Originally Posted by aleekat

That's not what he means. Most parts stores have a loan a tool pressure tester to find out where the leak is..

Sure, I found how to do that on Youtube but you must know what PSI to pump it up to. Surely it will be on the car or somewhere in the manual. I'll see if I can find if I can get over there this weekend. I'm used to the old-school cars where it was always printed on the radiator cap, when they had them

[aleekat]

Everything I can find states 20psi for yours. But normally 10-15 is plenty to find a leak. If like most modern radiators. Usually can find a crack on the hose connector necks.

[gmtech1]

Usual spots for coolant leaks the these are the water pump, coolant outlet (above and left of the turbocharger, if equipped.) The thermostat housing and the bypass hose that connects at the top of the housing and runs to the coolant tank. Most likely it's that hose that's leaking, right at the fitting to the thermostat housing. If so, it's about 11.00 for a new one and you may need to remove a broken piece from the housing when you replace it.

[downplay]

I got the pump, got it attached to the overflow reservoir, but it will not pressurize the system.

I'm pretty sure the pump is working correctly. I had a buddy pump while I pushed it into my hand and I could feel and hear air being forced out around the periphery. Also, the washer seems to be intact.

I figure that either that washer isn't making a good seal or that the overflow tank itself could have a leak. Are there other possibilities?

I would assume the overflow tank must hold pressure because I can take off the cap when it is a little warm and it seems some pressure is released from the heat. But, this would leave me not getting a seal where it is threaded on. This is hard to believe though, it fits tight, and like I said, the gasket seems good.

What do you think?

[downplay]

This is a 2013 1.4L Turbo.

There is a hose between the overflow or bypass reservoir and some part on the other side of the engine.

What is the name of the part this hose flows to/from?

[tonynz]

its probably leaking from the oil cooler assembly, a common fault.

[maxwedge]

Good info, but notice the thread is 7 years old.