Would a faulty thermostat cause engine coolant to leak in a 1997 Chevy Malibu?

Answer 1

Coolant LeakProbably not. If you don't already know a thermostats job is to open up to allow coolant to flow throughout the engine once it has warmed up; and it's supposed to stay closed until the engine has warmed up. A stuck open thermostat will have an engine take forever to warm up as coolant is constantly flowing from the start and a stuck closed thermostat will make your engine run really hot and possibly blow it. Usually, leaks signify that something is not sealing somewhere like it should be (other than A/C condensation) so try to locate the leak. Start with the hoses, check and squeeze for toughness, if it squeezes to softly your hoses are becoming weak. Then check the radiator, drain plugs, radiator unit, etc. Check the reservoir as well and all paths and lines of your cooling system. If your vehicle has over 60,000 miles you may want to consider a new water pump too.