1997 Cadillac Catera Coolant water leak behind engine

It is a bit difficult. You need to remove the upper and lower intakes, the wiper arms, and the upper cowl cover/inlet vent. This will give you access, there is a door in the compartment under the removed cowl vent that can be removed as well, held on with a plastic 10mm nut. If it is original valve, it has spring type clamps on the three hoses that go to it. Another possibility of leaks that will run down the bellhousing are head gaskets(97 had an issue), the oil cooler cover(mounted in engine valley), and the coolant pipe that runs from the right(pass) side of engine to the rear. The heater control valve is the higher probability leak, that will leak with little or no pressure working against it.

Hello Gentlemen!

Thanks for your written solution to my problem with HCV. I've exercised my talents in building a SS-100 Jag replicar with an old Ford Capri 2.8L V6. So I know a bit about older engines. However access to engine components on newer cars is a real mystery. And weird mounting hardware is often used.

Thanks again, will exercise your suggestions.

Hello again!

Replaced Heater Contol Valve and so far no more leaks. Thanks a bunch for your helpful hints. New valve (Germany OEM) cost $61 including shipping from Giant Auto. Water pump pliers, vice grip pliers, screwdriver, a short piece of rope (tieback), and a straightened wire hanger (used as hook to pull water hoses for access to spring clamps) were needed for replacement. 2 1/2 hours consumed from start to finish and a few skinned knuckles!.

Thanks again, Charles

[quote:f27ccd2213="gstacey"]It is a bit difficult. You need to remove the upper and lower intakes, the wiper arms, and the upper cowl cover/inlet vent. This will give you access, there is a door in the compartment under the removed cowl vent that can be removed as well, held on with a plastic 10mm nut. If it is original valve, it has spring type clamps on the three hoses that go to it. Another possibility of leaks that will run down the bellhousing are head gaskets(97 had an issue), the oil cooler cover(mounted in engine valley), and the coolant pipe that runs from the right(pass) side of engine to the rear. The heater control valve is the higher probability leak, that will leak with little or no pressure working against it.[/quote:f27ccd2213]

It's only difficult if you pull the intake. remove the wipers and cowl and go in from the top, easy repair, done in 1hr.