Common GTS Problem..?

[v10enomous]

Looked at a real nice 99 silver blue GTS today with 24k miles. The owner pointed out a very faint coolant smell when we got back from the test ride. He said that he was told that it's a common problem with this car. Apparently a screw somehow makes a small puncture in the coolant overflow resevoir. He said that the front bumper has to come off to fix it...

Does this sound legit ?

How much to repair this ?

 

[Asp Man]

Common enough. Hasn't happened on mine, but have seen threads about it. Do a search.
Parts would come to $50 or so for a new res. Bumper cover does need to come off.
Easy enough if you know what you're doing.

 

[crazyspeed]

Possible radiator? ...not uncommon

 

[plumcrazy]

what he said.

and if you need a mechanic who has taken off silver front bumpers a few times, let me know.... i know a good one in pompton plains or tator is an hour away.

 

[jasontiff]

I almost drilled into mine on the RT when I was mounting HID ballasts. No biggee. However, I'd take a peek up there to make sure that's where it's coming from. Coolant coming out of the overflow tank should pool up in the fascia. There is a hole for viewing the tank in the passenger front wheel well; if a screw punctured it that's probably where it happened. Take a peek in that area to see if you can spot and assess the damage.

Regardless of any defects, silver/blue is the best...you should buy it

 

[plumcrazy]

blue stripes would be slightly tainted. ALMOST the best ....

 

[jasontiff]

*SNIFF, SNIFF*

Jealousy is a stinky cologne, Phil...

 

[v10enomous]

The owner did mention Tator and the car did have the HID conversion...

The silver blue wasn't on my list but I've added it...

The car was lowered and had line locks... 20" IForges and the short shifter and way loud exhaust plus some type of fuel/ignition controller...

I think I may be happier with an all original car...

what he said.

and if you need a mechanic who has taken off silver front bumpers a few times, let me know.... i know a good one in pompton plains or tator is an hour away.

 

[plumcrazy]

line locks ? im assuming it was 1/4 mile'd pretty hard then.

was this car in oakland by any chance ? never met up with him but i saw it on the highway once. looked nice from what i can tell.

 

[Steve-Indy]

I disagree that smelling coolant is common on a 1999 Viper that has no issues.

The coolant recovery bottle being punctured by the tip of a fastener that sits just below the bottle is fairly common on Gen I's and II's that have
been wrecked or have had the nose run up on a curb, etc.

I would suggest that you have this car inspected very carefully by someone such as Chuck Tator BEFORE you go any further.

 

[MattInNC]

Mine had the same issue when when I bought it (Ironically a Silver / Blue 99 GTS). One of the front bumper cover fasteners had punched a hole in the coolant bottle. Replaced the bottle and did not reinstall the offending bolt. No issues ever since. The bottle, from what I recall wasn't too pricey. Something like 40 bucks...

 

[v10enomous]

How much for the labor ?

Mine had the same issue when when I bought it (Ironically a Silver / Blue 99 GTS). One of the front bumper cover fasteners had punched a hole in the coolant bottle. Replaced the bottle and did not reinstall the offending bolt. No issues ever since. The bottle, from what I recall wasn't too pricey. Something like 40 bucks...

 

[v10enomous]

That's what I figured and the driveline may have been stressed pretty good... The car is in Jersey... Saw it in the classifieds here...

line locks ? im assuming it was 1/4 mile'd pretty hard then.

was this car in oakland by any chance ? never met up with him but i saw it on the highway once. looked nice from what i can tell.

 

[MattInNC]

Did it myself, so free, besides the beer.

How much for the labor ?

 

[dave6666]

The overflow bottle in the fascia is vented - not sealed - has a hole in the top beside the fill cap. My '01, which I replaced the entire cooling system a while back for grins and giggles, has no leaks but I ocasionally smell coolant. I assume it's the hot coolant in the vented fascia bottle with the hot Texas air being blown over it. After 3 years of it, it no longer annoys me.

As was said, look for a leak. There should be wetness somewhere. Even the smallest leaks, which I have had some pin holes in radiators, leave discoloration or residue stains.

 

[01ACR/VIPER]

I also smell coolant sometimes.But this started after I installed new silicone hoses.

 

[dave6666]

I also smell coolant sometimes.But this started after I installed new silicone hoses.

I read that before too. And I also have the Roe hoses. Either way, if the temp gauge is good and the dash light is off, motor on.

 

[Vic]

Take a look between the heads, in the block valley. You can see down past the intake plenum runners. At the front of the engine, there sits the water thermostat, with its gasket that can leak. When this happens, coolant can collect in the block valley stiffeners, and it doesnt evaporate very well, just sorta sits there and stinks when the engine warms up. Thats where my coolant smell was coming from. I pulled the plenum, put a new gasket in, and voila, no more coolant smell.

 

[ViperGTS]

Never smelled any coolant in my 99 GTS or 2002 RT/10 or 2002GTS

 

[dave6666]

Never smelled any coolant in my 99 GTS or 2002 RT/10 or 2002GTS

You got sillycone hoses?