Coolant
Attention! Before working on any of the components of the cooling system, refer to the information contained in paragraph «Safety first!» at the beginning of the Guide and chapter 3.
1. Carefully check the radiator and heater coolant hoses along their entire length. Replace hoses that show cracks, bulges, or other signs of deterioration. Cracks are easier to detect when the hose is compressed. Pay close attention to the hose clamps that go to the elements of the cooling system. Overtightening the clamps can pinch and puncture the hoses and result in leaks in the cooling system.
2. Inspect all elements of the cooling system (hoses, mating surfaces, etc.) for leaks. If any problems of this nature are found in the elements of the system, replace the element or gasket (see chapter 3).
3. A leak in the cooling system usually shows up as white or rusty deposits in the area surrounding the leak.
Tip: A leak in the cooling system usually shows up as white or rusty deposits in the area near the leak.
Fuel
Attention! Before working with any of the elements of the power system, refer to the information contained in paragraph «Safety first!» at the beginning of the Guide and chapter 4A.
4. Check all fuel line connections and fastenings in engine compartment and inspect fuel lines for kinks, chafing and deterioration.
5. To detect a fuel leak between the fuel tank and the engine compartment, the car should be raised and placed on reliable supports (see «Lifting and placing the car on supports»). Inspect the fuel tank and filler neck for unintended holes, cracks, or other damage. Especially important is the connection between the filler neck and the tank. Sometimes the rubber filler neck or connecting hose leaks due to loose clamps or deterioration of the rubber.
6. Carefully check all rubber hoses and metal fuel lines coming from the fuel tank. Check for loose connections, deterioration of hoses, kinked lines, and other damage. Pay special attention to vent pipes and hoses, which often run near the filler neck and can become clogged or kinked, making it difficult to fill the tank. Check the fuel supply and return lines to the front of the vehicle, carefully inspecting them for signs of damage or corrosion. Replace damaged sections if necessary.
Engine oil
7. Inspect the areas near the mating surfaces of the cylinder head cover, cylinder head, oil filter and oil pan. Keep in mind that certain very minor leaks in these areas over time are inevitable and you are looking for signs of a major leak caused by gasket failure. An engine oil leak at the base of the timing belt/chain cover or the front section of the transmission case may be a sign of a bad crankshaft seal or transmission input shaft. If a leak is found, replace the defective gasket or cuff (see relevant chapters of this manual).
Air conditioning refrigerant
Attention! Refer to the information in paragraph «Safety first!» at the beginning of the Guide and chapter 3 and emphasizing the danger of affecting the elements of the air conditioning system.
8. The air conditioning system is charged with high pressure liquid refrigerant. If the air conditioning system is opened and depressurized without the use of special equipment, the refrigerant will immediately turn into a gas and escape into the atmosphere. If liquid refrigerant comes into contact with the skin, it can cause severe frostbite. In addition, the refrigerant contains substances that are harmful to the environment. Therefore, the refrigerant must not be allowed to enter the atmosphere.
9. If you suspect a leak in your air conditioning system, contact your dealer or air conditioner specialist immediately. The leak will show up as a steady drop in the level of refrigerant in the system.
10. Be aware that water may drip from the condenser drain tube under the vehicle immediately after using the air conditioner. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.
Brake fluid
Attention! Refer to the information in paragraph «Safety first!» at the beginning of the Guide and chapter 9 and emphasizing the dangers of handling brake fluid.
11. Inspect the areas around the brake line connections on the master cylinder for signs of leakage (see chapter 9). Check the area near the base of the brake fluid reservoir for signs of leakage caused by seal failure. Also inspect the brake line connections at the ABS hydraulic unit, if applicable.
12. If the drop in the level of brake fluid is obvious, but a leak in the engine compartment cannot be detected, the front brake calipers, rear wheel cylinders and brake lines under the bottom of the car should be carefully checked, for which you should first raise the car and install reliable supports under it. A fluid leak from the brake system is a serious malfunction that should be repaired immediately.
13. Brake fluid is a toxic substance with a watery consistency. The new liquid is nearly colorless, but becomes darker as «aging» and use.
Leaks of fluids of an undetermined nature
14. If there are signs that some kind of liquid is leaking from under the car, but you cannot determine the brand of liquid at the tile leak, leave the car overnight and place a large piece of cardboard under it. Provided that the cardboard is located approximately under the leak, even the smallest leak will leave its mark on the cardboard. Not only will this help you pinpoint the exact location of the leak, it should also help you identify the fluid by its color. However, be aware that some leaks may only occur when the engine is running!
Vacuum hoses
15. Although the brake system is hydraulically operated, the vacuum present in the intake manifold is used to operate the vacuum booster, which increases the force you apply to the brake pedal. The vacuum is transmitted to the amplifier through a large section hose. Any leaks that occur in this hose will reduce the effectiveness of the brake system and may affect engine performance.
16. In addition, many of the components under the hood, especially those of the emission control systems, rely on the vacuum created in the intake manifold and transmitted through small gauge hoses to drive. A leak in the vacuum hose means that air is entering the hose (does not flow from it), and this makes it much more difficult to detect a leak. One way is to use an old piece of vacuum hose to act as a stethoscope. Attach one end of the hose to your ear (don't put it in your ear), and using the other end, inspect the area around suspicious places. When the end of the hose is directly at the leak, you will hear a characteristic «hiss», which is accompanied by a vacuum leak. Be careful not to touch hot or moving parts as the engine must be running to perform this test. Replace any vacuum hoses found to be defective.