I think all the coolant is leaking out the top/front of the engine and not into it. I don't smell or see any coolant in the exhaust. The leak is up a little higher than the water pipe, I think. When it was leaking the other day, the engine hadn't been turned on in 4 days, coolant level hadn't been messed with, and there was visible coolant leakage around the intake manifold gaskets. If it was the water pipe, then I don't think that the water would be traveling uphill.

I'm also pretty sure that the mechanic who replaced my hoses while I was at work one day pulled too much on the upper hose to get it loose. If that's the case, then I could see how intake manifold gasket might be a little leaky. I wouldn't see how that kind of action would affect the water pipe.

The problem I have with hunting this little problem down right now is that to replace the gaskets is a more-or-less straight forward easy job, and one I've done before. What I don't want to have to do is take the whole front of the motor off to get to that water pipe! At least that's my understanding of what I'd have to do to get to it. Please please tell me if I'm understanding wrong!

When I get around to fixing it (in a few weeks - after I finish my front end) I'll letcha know what the ultimate cause is... if I find that out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />