2006 Forester XT. - Got a new skidplate. Went on easy enough. 1. Took the car out in the snow to off-road a little, and got a smoking coolant leak. 2. Came back to the garage, took the plate off. Went back out and drove on the roads, with no plate - no leak (no off-roading). 3. Put the plate back on then went out again (off-roading) and the smoking leak was back.
It only leaks with the plate on. Now we were only off-roading with the plate on, so I can't necessarily say it is the plate. Could it be the angle of the car while off-roading? Built up pressure with the plate on? It doesn't leak with the plate off, but I am only street driving with it off. Totally baffled.
Clues - leak seems to be on the passenger side of the engine, when it does appear. Leak is not visible to the naked eye.
It only leaks with the plate on. Now we were only off-roading with the plate on, so I can't necessarily say it is the plate. Could it be the angle of the car while off-roading? Built up pressure with the plate on? It doesn't leak with the plate off, but I am only street driving with it off. Totally baffled.
Clues - leak seems to be on the passenger side of the engine, when it does appear. Leak is not visible to the naked eye.