* Water pump: This is a very common source of leaks. The pump itself can crack or develop leaks around its seals. Leaks often appear near the bottom of the engine, towards the front.
* Radiator: Leaks can develop in the radiator's core, tanks, or hoses connected to it. Leaks here can be more widespread, depending on the severity.
* Hoses: The numerous hoses connecting the radiator, engine, and heater core can crack, degrade, or come loose, causing leaks. These can be anywhere in the engine bay.
* Thermostat housing: The gasket on the thermostat housing can fail, causing a leak.
* Engine block: In severe cases, the engine block itself can crack, leading to a coolant leak. This is less common but a serious issue.
* Heater core (less likely to leak externally): While a heater core leak usually manifests inside the cabin, a major failure *could* result in coolant leaking under the engine, though this is less common than the other areas.
Important Note: Without visually inspecting the engine bay, it's impossible to say for certain where the leak is coming from. You should never try to diagnose or fix a coolant leak yourself if you aren't experienced with car repair. A leaking coolant system can lead to engine overheating and serious damage. Take your PT Cruiser to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
