Let me throw a couple little things out here that have not been discussed.
While some people just want to try to snug or tighten the loose clamps in an attempt to fix leaks, this is NOT a good idea by itself, the reason being is once the clamps loosen up over time and heat cycles, the coolant then seeps past the clamp and gets on the metal pipe (side of T-stat body housing) and starts to corrode and rust the metal fittings, causing even more leaks! Its a much better idea to remove the T-stat housing completely and clean or wire brush the fittings before putting it back on or tightening it up more.
Another area that is commonly missed is the water pump housing o-ring that is mentioned here. When it fails it leaks coolant past the o-ring and onto the LEDGE that joins the two surfaces together on the front of the engine, this coolant then slides down the ledge and leaks out of the SQUARE hole, making people think that its the clamps up in the VEE area.
To be safe (and not have to do it a second or third time) when you are working with leaks in this area you should replace the water pump housing o-ring, remove and clean the T-stat housing, replace the T-stat and o-ring, and verify that it is not a failing water pump (weep hole) and while your in there, clean all the black paint off the radiator elbows (inside and out).
This will normally fix your coolant leak issues, short of a damaged hose.
If anyone would like to see pictures of what the fittings look like during a leak repair process, PM me a phone number or email address and I'll send some your way.
Igofar
While some people just want to try to snug or tighten the loose clamps in an attempt to fix leaks, this is NOT a good idea by itself, the reason being is once the clamps loosen up over time and heat cycles, the coolant then seeps past the clamp and gets on the metal pipe (side of T-stat body housing) and starts to corrode and rust the metal fittings, causing even more leaks! Its a much better idea to remove the T-stat housing completely and clean or wire brush the fittings before putting it back on or tightening it up more.
Another area that is commonly missed is the water pump housing o-ring that is mentioned here. When it fails it leaks coolant past the o-ring and onto the LEDGE that joins the two surfaces together on the front of the engine, this coolant then slides down the ledge and leaks out of the SQUARE hole, making people think that its the clamps up in the VEE area.
To be safe (and not have to do it a second or third time) when you are working with leaks in this area you should replace the water pump housing o-ring, remove and clean the T-stat housing, replace the T-stat and o-ring, and verify that it is not a failing water pump (weep hole) and while your in there, clean all the black paint off the radiator elbows (inside and out).
This will normally fix your coolant leak issues, short of a damaged hose.
If anyone would like to see pictures of what the fittings look like during a leak repair process, PM me a phone number or email address and I'll send some your way.
Igofar