I have a 2008 HHR with one of the non turbo 4 cylinders that has developed a coolant leak. The leak is coming from a tube that runs from what I think is the water pump on the passenger side of engine and runs along the block towards the drivers side or rear of the engine, underneath exhaust manifold, you have to look up between the tranny and engine to see it. Tube appears to be aluminum or stainless about 1 1/2" diameter. Is there a seal or "O" ring in this tube and how easy is this fix? Looks to be somewhat difficult to get to as well.

 

With a quick Google image search it appears to be the thermostat housing. How complicated is it to remove? Access doesn't appear to be terrible bad.

 

That tube has an O ring at either end , the Thermostat housing will have to be removed so you'll need that gasket and while your at it replace the stat and Dexcool if it hasn't been done yet 5 years would have been 2013 so go by that

 

Will I need to replace the O ring at the water pump end as well or will the tube stay in that end while I replace the one at the water pump end?
Is this an easy task for someone with good mechanical ability?

 

Fairly easy to do, just tight quarters. Yes O ring on both ends, you might consider a New water pump at the same time, that requires a special tool.

If you only do the O rings it's basically a 5 bolt job and a couple of scraped knuckles.

 

It's a gamble I'd make sure I have the two O rings and ask if you can return parts of they are not required, cause you know ole Murphy and the law!