My car is leaking coolant, but only after it gets up in temperature. I noticed while driving from the steam coming out from under my hood. brought the car home cooled it off and cleaned it up and checked all the hose fittings. Started it up after it had ample time to cool and went a solid 10 minutes with no visible leaks or sprays. Held it at 3000 RPM to warm it up for a few minutes while I monitored. Coolant started leaking from behind the belt right after the fan turned on (not sure if coincidence or direct coloration). I think its either the water pump gasket or something with the thermostat. Any help trouble shooting is appreciated.

Thank you in advance!!

 

Sounds like a leak once coolant pressure builds up. Borrow a pressure tester from an automotive store and inspect while engine is not running for safety reasons..

 

It is probably the pump that has failed, but test it yourself or get it tested as James1549 mentions.
It would be much less expensive if it was a thermostat gasket or pump gasket problem.

Are you sure that it is not a problem with a hose or hose clamp? That would be easier and cheaper problem to fix.

 

Since I have a pressure tester, as James1549 suggests, I would pressure test the system.
As posted by onehundred80, the easiest start is hose clamps. They do loosen, or hose shrinks?, so sometimes the slightest tightening can solve minor leaks.
A pressure tester would show small leaks, tightening the clamp a bit could fix the leak so start tightening but...usually time for a new hose (don't know mileage or age), either way, we are all probably due for new hoses and clamps.
It is a pressurized system; lot's of other sources for leaks so keep looking
Steve

 

It can also be a filler cap that is loose?

 

its not the filler cap and I am pretty positive its not the hoses or clamps. I plan on using a pressure tester and will keep my fingers crossed for it to be a gasket issue, thank you everyone I really appreciate the help with the recommended trouble shooting measures.

and its a 2004 Base with 108,000 mi

 

Not impossible, but highly unlikely it is the thermostat.The thermostat uses an o-ring type seal that is very reliable. My best guess you will need a water pump. It appears at the age and mileage, the water pump replacement has become more common on the Crossfire. If you have to replace the pump, go ahead and put in new coolant and a new thermostat at the same time. Get it all done at one time.

 

They are both the 1 type
Just replaced the water pump but sheered 2 of the smaller bolts in the process, any idea on where to buy these discontinued bolts

 

These 2 specifically

 

The bolts were not discontinued, as they were not made especially for the car. They are available somewhere, you could use the same bolt but an Allen head instead. You should get a special plated type to avoid the steel corroding the aluminum alloy as it is in an exposed place for moisture and salt if driven in those conditions.

 

Dave, IIRC, did you post all the measurements of the various size bolts used for the water pump install? It may be a good idea to replace them all, or at least have them on hand when doing the job.

James

 

I did not but someone did I recall.
Mastermike added the list. I added the torque figures, the ones on the page did not reflect the torque setting for the 6mm bolts. No surprise that the OP sheared his bolts.

 

Look what I found.

 

See my previous post, I updated it this afternoon.
No wonder the screws broke if the same torque was used on all screws.