Coolant Leak when warm - Sensor works - ??
Hi Everyone - I read a few threads similar to my issue, but not 100% sure it was addressed so quick follow-up question to the masters.
Temp Warning light comes on when cold after first start. For a couple weeks, I could wait 5 mins, then restart car and light would remain off. Now, light stays on all the time.
Warmer day last Sat here in Seattle, driving around 65 when pull to a stop, notice white smoke coming out driver's side under hood - yet temp gauge shows a consistent 190 (has never gone higher in 6 years).
Pull over - coolant is leaking and burning off. I hear an almost hissing sound in the area of the Tstat housing manifold assembly. Further testing tonight -- warmed the car up, it finally started leaking again, turned it off. Hiss is there again, and I can alter the sound of the hiss when I pinch the hose that runs on top of the housing where the 3 GP's attach. This seems to be the ONLY hose with an extra layer of braiding. Hose is soaked, and so also is the sensor - can't tell if this hose has a leak, or if the sensor is leaking (and I change the sound when I pinch the hose).
Seems weird that it wouldn't leak until warm if it is the sensor.
Here are some pictures. Question - should I just replace the sensor now, and see if I still get the issue (leak and hiss)? If the issue remains, then go further to replace hose or ?? I guess I'm asking if I'm missing anything else simple (to you, not simple to me) - <smile>.
Thanks in advance.
Here is the hose in question:
Here is the Sensor (other side of the hose I'm holding is at the top of the pic).
Another view, slightly lower.
This pic clearly shows how it has been leaking on the hoses/etc below. Again, can't tell source, but leak seems centralized here.