Coolant loss
March-13th-2003, 01:41 PM
#1
Protege Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Chicago
Posts: 227
Coolant loss
First of all, YES, I did a search, and didn't find any 3rd-gen owners with this issue, so I'm bringing it up now.
'00 ES; 22,228 on the odo.
Refilling the washer fluid yesterday, noticed that I have MAYBE 1/4" of coolant left in the reservoir. Last oil change (and presumably fluid top-off) was almost 3K ago...in December.
Temp gauge has always been just a hair or two below center, like most 3rd gens.
Presuming I don't notice any changes, can I make it until Saturday?
Anybody else have a car that drinks coolant like this?
TIA!
'00 ES; 22,228 on the odo.
Refilling the washer fluid yesterday, noticed that I have MAYBE 1/4" of coolant left in the reservoir. Last oil change (and presumably fluid top-off) was almost 3K ago...in December.
Temp gauge has always been just a hair or two below center, like most 3rd gens.
Presuming I don't notice any changes, can I make it until Saturday?
Anybody else have a car that drinks coolant like this?
TIA!
March-13th-2003, 06:21 PM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,122
There is a TSB for coolant loss due to inadequate OEM hose clamps; check the FAQ.
Also, keep in mind that slow coolant leaks can be VERY hard to spot. Often, the cooling system will only leak when it's really hot, so it won't dribble and form visible puddles when the car's parked, and even when it IS leaking, you will have to be lucky to glimpse the leak. Second, the hoses to the heater core run behind and beneath the engine and are just about impossible to see from above the car; you really can't check them well unless you get underneath the car and remove the plastic underbody trays with the engine running. If something's leaking down there, it will be VERY hard to see under normal conditions.
If a car is actually leaking coolant INTO the engine or intake system, it will typically cause one of two symptoms: 1) a sweet smell in the exhaust, combined with constant visible steam on cold, humid days that doesn't stop when the car warms up, and/or 2) yellowish or milky-white engine oil. However, I am CONFIDENT that you have an external leak, not an internal one. Try getting the car checked out by someone with experience looking for coolant leaks.
Good luck!
Also, keep in mind that slow coolant leaks can be VERY hard to spot. Often, the cooling system will only leak when it's really hot, so it won't dribble and form visible puddles when the car's parked, and even when it IS leaking, you will have to be lucky to glimpse the leak. Second, the hoses to the heater core run behind and beneath the engine and are just about impossible to see from above the car; you really can't check them well unless you get underneath the car and remove the plastic underbody trays with the engine running. If something's leaking down there, it will be VERY hard to see under normal conditions.
If a car is actually leaking coolant INTO the engine or intake system, it will typically cause one of two symptoms: 1) a sweet smell in the exhaust, combined with constant visible steam on cold, humid days that doesn't stop when the car warms up, and/or 2) yellowish or milky-white engine oil. However, I am CONFIDENT that you have an external leak, not an internal one. Try getting the car checked out by someone with experience looking for coolant leaks.
Good luck!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
whyteryce
1st gen/323/GLC Engine and Drivetrain
2
July-26th-2002 02:04 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)