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91 Geo Prizm interior leak


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rammfan87
New User

Jan 4, 2009, 9:25 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3095 views)
91 Geo Prizm interior leak Sign In

Hi, I have a 91 Geo Prizm, with a mysterious interior leak underneath the driver's side dashboard. Its a slow leak near my brake and gas pedals. I wipe it ever so often to keep my feet from slipping, and its a brownish color, with an odor. It has 197000 miles, but it has a different engine, as I've had it replaced. Not sure if it changes the car's mileage or not. Any ideas of what it could be and/or how to fix it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 5, 2009, 3:52 AM

Post #2 of 4 (3092 views)
Re: 91 Geo Prizm interior leak Sign In

There must be a fluid going low on you so please check them all at once! The most likely mechanical problem would be a heater core although they usually would leak on passenger's side but might not.

The other is a long shot but brake or clutch fluid might be able to find it's way to interior. Take note that brake fluid is not an oil but a special fluid and oil products if ever added could cause dangerous failure of hydraulic parts to brakes.

Both engine coolant that would be in heater core and brake fluid are water soluable. If a towel cleans right up with water from the mess it's a clue.

If a true oil then it would be something very bizzare causing this IMO,

T



rammfan87
New User

Jan 5, 2009, 4:31 PM

Post #3 of 4 (3083 views)
Re: 91 Geo Prizm interior leak Sign In

Thank you for replying. I also thought it odd for the heater core to be on the driver's side. I was beginning to think it's oil. I was told at a previous oil change that I'm leaking oil, but not severely enough to worry about. But I'm not sure how oil would get INSIDE!

I'll lookup how difficult it may be to look at my heater core and see if I can figure out whats wrong. Thanks again!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 5, 2009, 5:28 PM

Post #4 of 4 (3078 views)
Re: 91 Geo Prizm interior leak Sign In

To add: Make dang sure it is the core and that you aren't getting fooled by something rare. Engine and or other oils - PS, Trans etc., really shouldn't be able to get into cabin area. It's wild and unlikely that somehow a leak could spray at some gap or grommet and get inside. Could any vandalism be the issue?

A pressure test of cooling system should show the leak and perhaps make it do it right in front of you. If you can catch a drip of it try to figure what it is. Real oils won't rinse in water off your finger for example but anti-freeze would and so would clutch or brake fluids.

Anti-freeze is somewhat slippery in your fingers like an oil but it is soluable in water of course and on purpose.

I just don't know the difficulty factor of replacing the core in this car but you could find out or someone here may jump in and know. Most are involved but not all.

Do verify what it is to avoid a wasted job,

T







 
 
 






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