Transmission/Coolant Leakage

[Jonnobrand]

Hi All,

Here is the problem,

About a week ago, my GPX would not turn over and upon this happening last time it turned out to be a faulty immobiliser. So, called a "Sparky" to see if that was the problem and it turns out to be that my starter motor was not functioning properly. Now I have taken it to the mechanic and received the news that my car has been leaking coolant and that coolant has been running into the starter motor which had a rusting effect on the starter motor..

So my problem is and what I'm asking is: How long does it take to remove the transmission from a GPX.

Why? Because the mechanic has told me that in-order to fix the leak from which the coolant is coming from, they will have to remove the whole transmission to get a new plug of some sort, and when I do get this leak fixed I can also get a new starter motor!

Thanks,

[Bennoz]

I'd be looking for a new mechanic mate...

[Sahin]

You would not have to remove the whole transmission for a coolant leak... coolant does not go into the transmission and does not have anything to do with it... the only thing it has to do with it is the ATF cooling pipes that go into your radiator, but even then you don't need to take the whole gearbox out to change the pipes...
Degrease your whole engine and see where the leak is coming from and take a photo so that we could maybe diagnose where it is coming from..
As for a starter I have a used one for sale if you need...

[Jonnobrand]

Just called the mechanic again to get further details and they have quoted that what they think is wrong and how the coolant is leaking is that my "Wash Plugs" need to be replaced! Does that make any more sense?

[fraz91]

Just called the mechanic again to get further details and they have quoted that what they think is wrong and how the coolant is leaking is that my "Wash Plugs" need to be replaced! Does that make any more sense?

I didn't know there was a welsh plug behind the transmission?

How many kms has the car done and what coolant have you been using in it since you've owned it?

[Sahin]

They're trying to steal your money

[Jonnobrand]

It has clocked about 178900 - And as for the coolant.... Well, I get it serviced regularly so to be honest I wouldn't be able to tell you because the guys I take it to change the coolant every time because it leaks out...

[Vectose]

Is it the same mechanic that changes your coolant? Could be he is running a long con. Saying your coolant has been leaking and now he is telling you it needs to be fixed.

Go get another opinion from a different mechanic.

As Sahin said, degrease the area around the starter with a $2 can of degreaser then hose it off. Drive it around for a week and take some photos for us.

[Vectose]

Do you actually get drops of coolant on your driveway/garage?

[Jonnobrand]

Well you see, the thing is, the first time I brought up the problem of my car overheating they told me that I had no coolant, so they couldn't find out why I had none and replaced and off I went. The second time, I noticed it was happening again so I took it back, and they replaced a non-expensive part ( forgive me I cannot remember what it was).

And the third time.. Well were at the third time right now. I would take it for a drive and take pictures for all to see, but you see, Id have to get a new starter motor, and if I did that, and got more coolant... <insert overheating problem no.4/new start motor here>. And I'm not sure rolling around town without coolant would be a good idea..

So would it be worth just getting a new starter motor and taking shots to get some better info from the good people here or taking the *1100* hit the fellas (New starter Included *300$) think its going to cost...

As for the mechanic, they don't seem like the long con gang, http://mitchellservicecentre.com.au/.

They look pretty legit and I rate them so far(They have done numerous jobs).. It's just the price there quoting is making me feel dizzy every time I think about driving my FTO again..

[Jonnobrand]

And no! I have never actually noticed coolant leakage ever.. Which is a very good point! But the car does overheat vigorously(being stationary) after 15 minutes of driving it!

[Vectose]

Have a look in the engine bay yourself and see if you can spot the leak. Coolant usually turns a white colour when dry.

[Sahin]

Sounds like a water pump if it leaks out that fast...

[Vectose]

Overheating can be many things, not just loss of coolant. Could be a blocked radiator, busted thermostat, busted water pump and the list goes on.

[Jonnobrand]

I see, the only thing I can say to that would be that as soon as more coolant in the car ( after I get it back from a service) I do a "Overheat Test" where I sat idle for 5 minutes after driving for 20 and it was fine!

[destinationtoby]

So where defaqs all the coolant going if its not dripping anywhere and can't see the leak?

[Sahin]

It drinks it

[vipfto]

could b ehead related but first thing check simple stuff like hoses and connections to radiator and throttle body/heater hoses then thermostat still no luck flush radiator and then pressure test. If waterpump failing it will be leaking on drivers side. also check floor matt on passanger side could be leaking heater core.....