I checked the paper towels and I don't see any leaks anywhere anymore. There may be a very small slow one like you said but I look good for now. I'll look into getting that rubber plug replaced with a real one. I think if I take off the tire I might be able to get in there. Or maybe Autozone has one of those professional hammers that bend around and transfer the load around corners.

I'm using only distilled water plus an anti-rust additive. I'm pretty sure most of the problems I've seen are from the previous owner (this car was bought used in 2001) using tap water or the coolant just not being changed frequently enough.

 

the rubber plug will dry up quickly and start leaking... so it is a real short term fix.

sounds like your servicing is right on the money...

 

I hate it when people don't know what a probem is but they are the first one to tell you your wrong. Remember that eveyone is taking stabs at problems and without proper information they can and will be wrong.

As for the how many freeze plugs are on the back of the motor and where are they question:[sm=icon_rtfm.gif]

 

I have the Haynes manual dude, and it doesn't show you where any of the freeze plugs are so I don't know what FM you have. I didn't say you were wrong I just didn't like the fact that you ignored my initial question about what that housing could be and why there would be fluid inside of it. I was specifically looking for possible leaks I wouldn't be aware of. I know all about the freeze plugs because I've searched through these forums. Also, if I was going to go to a shop, why would I ask for help on this forum? I'd rent a cherry picker or transmission jack before I'd pay some guy $800 to use one for me.

 

Had the same problem with my 2000. Had it pressure tested and shop couldn't find a leak. Engine overheated and antifreeze was gone. Took it back to shop and Shop said it was intake manifold gasket, had it replaced. Now it is dripping again, not quite as much and probably the freeze plug on the back of the block. Tranny will have to be pulled to repair.

 

Sorry, I thought I was replying to your question. The shop said the fluid was running down the dust cover on the front of the trans housing and not actually coming from inside it. The little bent part seems to be normal, mine has that also. I assume it's a drainage hole. Maybe yours is inside, just a possible reply. I took mine to the shop because I don't have any other transportation to go get parts. Sometimes when a leak is fixed, the pressure returns to normal and another leak will develop which occured because the pressure returns to normal and the fluid will find the next weakest spot to escape.

 

There are 2 freeze plugs on the back of the motor. 1 is larger than the other on a 5.9L and 5.2 engine. They look like the ones on the side of the block and they can rust through just the same causing leakage of antifreeze between the transmission and motor (bell housing dust cover area).

 

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Now I re-read his post and I think the antifreeze is coming out the heater core connections on the fire wall or a bad intake manifold gasket. There could also be a bad head gasket but I seriously doubt it! As I read through the thread I instantly went to the freeze plug concerns because I assumed the user was posting on the same issue as supercharger was talking about.