The mystery coolant leak in my 95 960 sedan has reappeared. A month or so ago I had the heater core hoses replaced with new, clamps and all. The leak appeared to stop, but has now resumed. I put in about a litre of 50/50 a month right now, in what is supposed to be a sealed system.

I can smell the coolant after a long drive, but there is nothinng under the car. Plus the oil is find - it is not cloudy so I do not believe it is a head gasket leak.

The rad is 10 years old, but the upper and lower rad hoses and clamps were replaced with new about a year ago. I put a piece paper around the upper rad neck, seemed fine, no stains.

Ideas here appreciated. I hope to go on a ski trip in a couple of weeks and don't want to be stranded. Thx

Well I fixed the leak. I tightened the new heater core hose clamps, and that seems to have abated the coolant leak. Thanks to all for the input.

Hi,

Have you checked the transmission fluid?

Gus

No, I have not checked the trans fluid yet, but will shortly. Thx for the suggestion.

A litre in a month is not a lot. You likely would not see such a slow leak as drips on the ground. You should smell nothing inside the car unless there is a heater core leak. Have you had a pressure test done?
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David Hunter

I can smell the coolant outside, faintly. Had a pressure test done to find the heater core hose problem, but have not had another done yet. I was thinking it may be the clamps on the hoses need tightening. Not sure how hard it is to get to the worm drive clamps behind the block?

I had a leak on my 98 in the same spot. The screw clamps that hold the rubber hose onto the metal heater hoses behind the engine on the passengers side. I used a 1/4" long socket extension with a swivel. If they're in a bad orientation, loosen them and rotate them so that you can get at them more easily again if you need to. Sometimes you can get at them more easily from underneath the car.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 083,228 and 1995 964 154,100