How to Tell if an Intake Gasket Leaks Antifreeze

If you suspect that your car is either burning or leaking antifreeze, you must determine where the issue is, or you risk catastrophic failure of the system that keeps your car running at the proper temperature. In many cases, missing antifreeze is a symptom of a bigger issue that could cost thousands of dollars in engine repairs if the problem is not diagnosed. Often, the issue lies with the intake manifold through which antifreeze circulates to help cool down the air flow. Due to modern processes for casting intake manifolds, they are prone to cracking and leaking over time. However, there are several ways to determine if your manifold is the culprit before replacing it.

Instructions

1

Inspect the casing of the intake manifold for cracks. Water seepage or steam will be visible when the car is idling at normal operating temperatures. It is not uncommon for cast steel, cast aluminum or cast plastic manifolds to crack after a few years of heating and cooling.

2

Inspect the engine block for antifreeze leaking from the gasket between the engine block and the intake manifold. If there is a leak, you will see green, pink or yellow antifreeze (depending on vehicle make) seeping out of the gasket and running down the block.

3

Inspect the thermostat housing that bolts onto the intake manifold for cracks and gasket leaks. You can locate the thermostat housing by looking for the hose that extends from the radiator to the motor. The piece that the hose connects to is the thermostat housing.

4

Inspect the ground directly below the vehicle's motor for puddling. If the intake manifold is leaking excessively, you will see a puddle directly under the motor. If the antifreeze is leaking from the radiator, the puddle will be under the front of the car below the radiator.