[s-cars] Coolant Leak

[Wayne Dohnal]

There have been a lot of good suggestions where to look for a leak.  I don't 
think one is more likely than another because I've had every one of them 
that's been listed so far.  As far as a tracer goes, having red Pentosin in 
your system works pretty well because it always dries to a pink or white 
powdery mess.  One technique that works for me is after you drive the car 
and let it cool off enough, run a fingertip on the bottom of the hoses near 
every connection and at every low point.  If your fingertip picks up any 
wetness, you're close to the problem.  Having an adjustable inspection 
mirror on a stick also helps with the looking.  When reading the list of all 
the leak points I can't help thinking of our Subaru, the same age as the S4 
and 2/3 the mileage, that has had absolutely zero coolant leaks in its 
lifetime.  Less comfortable, less fun to drive and all that, but it sure 
takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.