How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Mitsubishi Eclipse

The cooling system is essential to the Mitsubishi Eclipse's operation and it's necessary to check for leaks to keep it running properly. If you catch a leak in the early stages before it does serious damage, it can save you a lot of headaches and auto mechanic repair bills. To perform this task requires no in-depth mechanical knowledge.

Instructions

1

Move the Mitsubishi Eclipse from its usual parking place and check the area underneath for any leaked coolant. Because coolant is usually blue, orange, red or green, you should have no trouble spotting any leakage on the ground. However, even if you don't spot any leaked coolant, it doesn't mean you don't have a leak.

2

Open the hood and examine the water pump and the gasket seal for any signs of leakage. The water pump is sandwiched between the radiator and the engine block. The gasket seal is what attaches and seals the water pump to the engine block. Check for any fresh coolant, discoloration or corrosion around these areas.

3

Grab a flashlight and check the radiator for leaks. Scan the underside of the radiator, as rock and road debris can harm this area during normal operation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Again, look for any fresh coolant, corrosion or discoloration, which are sure signs of leakage.

4

Inspect the hoses that connect the radiator to the engine and the engine to the heater core. Since these hoses are rubber composite, they're susceptible to bulging, cracking and splitting. Check the places where each hose connects to the cooling system, as these connections can loosen due to engine vibration.

5

Turn the radiator cap one full revolution, step back, wait a few minutes and then completely remove the radiator cap. Be extremely careful opening the radiator, as it can erupt and burn anyone in the area due to internal pressure. Make sure the radiator is cool to the touch before you attempt to remove the cap.

6

Fill the radiator with new coolant, start the engine and turn the heater setting to high. Allow the Mitsubishi Eclipse to run for about 15 minutes.

7

Shut the engine off and check the hoses, water pump, gasket seal and radiator again for leaks. If you still can't locate the leak, take the car to a cooling system specialist to test for an internal leak.