Leak coming from my KJ

carroll952 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:08 pm

I need some help.

My KJ started leaking fluid this morning, it seems to be a pretty recent occurance. This was after I drove through town which is mostly covered in snow, alot of the driving was done in 4x4 (I have the part time system). I also made sure to only engage my 4 hi in slick areas. When I came home there was steam coming from the engine bay, had only started once I entered the neighborhood, at first I thought it was snow hitting the enigine (there is more snow in the neighborhood streets). The front of the jeep was covered in snow blocking the entire grill.

The fluid is red and has the consistancy of water. It seems to be leaking from below my engine, hard to tell though cause of all the snow. Currently none of my engine check lights are going off and my jeep isn't throwing any codes.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Justin

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:43 pm

Probably coolant, since the stuff the Liberty's come with is red and has the consistency of water. If it were thicker with an oily feel it would most likely be transmission fluid, provided you have an automatic.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

I think there's an even more disturbing problem here...SNOW IN HAWAII!!!! :shock:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:58 pm

Check if packed snow push off a line/hose from the radiator or overflow bottle. Also check the drain plug and see if it somehow got turned to the open position. Do you have an engine skid? If not, the problems above could happen. Good Luck!

If it was oily you would need to worry about transmission cooler lines or power steering line.

sidewayskj · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 3:33 pm

If all the lines are good check the plastic tank on the side of the radiator the hot and cold of the snow and driving may of cracked your tank. Had it happen to me once it got cold. Is the leak in around the grill front area where the power steering cooler lines are. Anyway that was my first leak on my kj

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 3:57 pm

Crack in the radiator tank is my guess...

adamkrz · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:37 pm

I had my lower radiator hose replaced when it started leaking about 1 year after purchasing the KJ..

carroll952 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:42 pm

Thanks for all the replies,

Actually I just moved back to the mainland and need to change my location. I am currently in New Mexico visiting family.

I agree after looking at it more it probably is coolant, I doubt I damaged the radiator any though. My coolant levels look like they are getting a little lower and my tranny fluids look fine. The leak is coming from the area of the coolant resevour and not from the front end, closer to the passenger side.

I have full skids on my liberty so I'm not sure if snow hit anything but it's possible. It doesn't seem to leak all the time, nor is it affecting engine performance. It's only leaked twice and I'm not exactly sure what the cause would be. I guess I'll be crawling around looking at hoses when the snow clears out (if it does).

Thanks for all your advice!

Justin

Brigrat · **Joined:** Sun May 21, 2006 6:17 pm **Posts:** 92

where in NM...currently, I am living in Lea County

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:59 pm

Have fun in all the snow up there! I talked to my mom this afternoon and she had more than a foot in her yard :shock:

Could the 'leak' simply be overflow from the coolant reservoir? I agree looking at the hoses is always a good thing, if nothing else just to eliminate any other possibilities.

carroll952 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:05 pm

I'm in Albuquerque, my girlfriend and I drove from Cali right as the first storm hit. Pretty crazy here with two major snow storms hitting in a week. I'll post some pics of all the snow we collected here, probably more than a food.

Yeah it could be the overflow, especially since it doesn't seem to be a constant thing. This is the first time I've had my KJ in any kind of snow so it's been an interesting and fun experience. Always great when my brother who brags about his Mini asks me to take him to work lol.

I definatly will check things out when it clears up, until then I'm going to enjoy all the snow we have.

Justin

O_Dogg · **Posted:** Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:27 am

probly overflow of coolant like mentioned

Leak coming from my KJ

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