coolant drip, centerline, usual suspects?

[rs39]

While I have not had any temp or smell issues, yesterday I did notice a small coolant leak in the new snow where I paused to open my garage. It seems to be fairly left/right centered, and I'll back it out for fresh snow and idle it a while later today so I can try to measure where exactly it is landing relative to the bumper line/tire tracks.

But I know where it lands is not always where it leaks... So if there are any usualy suspects or things I should do "in group" like hoses while I'm at it, please speak out. Fluids were flushed long ago, car is a 2002 ES with 78k, drip spot looked really clean-yellow/green.

Thanks!

PS- first suspect is the bottom hose

 

[slavrenz]

I've also heard of a lot of people getting small cracks in their radiators that cause leaks - something else to check.

 

[rs39]

Ran it 15 min in the drive, no yellow-greenish spot, just a road funk grey drip about where the hose comes down from the thermostat to the radiator. But that could be anything at this point after a heavy storm drive.

Reservoir was at the low end but still in spec. And I added coolant to the 'full' mark, which it rose above in the warmup.

I first saw it after backing into a spot Sat am, but had no way of knowing the source, car or park dog, at the time. But again in front of my garage Sat afternoon, it's me. And in a heavy snow storm, it was fresh.

 

[t3xazboy]

i had my radiator start leaking.. was coming from the top of the = = = = = metal spaced looking things.. runing along the edge and dripping down to the pottom part and the fans would blow it into the engine.. gave out a coolant smell.. reaplced it with a new one.. but you say yours dont give out a smell.. check the hose that runs from the radiator cap to the reservoir. could b leaking thru thre. mine is kinda loose so i'll have to put a clamp or something on thre.

 

[SciFiMan]

Check your radiator

Just had my radiator replaced today. Thought it was a bad water pump, but no. 2003 LX with 125K miles. A week ago during -17 degree (-30 wind chill) I noticed no heat and smelled coolant and vapor from the front of the car. Found coolant sprayed around a bit. Prior to that I have noticed the belt squealing for about 2 weeks. I thought it was a sticking/failing alternator at the time.

I chose the aftermarket replacement at $150 cheaper than the Mazda part, which wasn't in stock anyway. $414 for that, and $680 by the time I left. Had pass. side door lock repaired also. Service guy said this radiator had 6 month wty and should cool fine and last 2 or 3 years. Fine by me since I have my eye on a 2010 Mazda3 hatch.

 

[slavrenz]

radiator leaks seem to be a more and more common problem with these cars. I don't know, but I hope this doesn't turn into an issue for more of these vehicles.

 

[mgerst1]

While I have not had any temp or smell issues, yesterday I did notice a small coolant leak in the new snow where I paused to open my garage. It seems to be fairly left/right centered, and I'll back it out for fresh snow and idle it a while later today so I can try to measure where exactly it is landing relative to the bumper line/tire tracks.

But I know where it lands is not always where it leaks... So if there are any usualy suspects or things I should do "in group" like hoses while I'm at it, please speak out. Fluids were flushed long ago, car is a 2002 ES with 78k, drip spot looked really clean-yellow/green.

Thanks!

PS- first suspect is the bottom hose

check the nipple under the radiator cap that the line from the coolant tank runs to, mine broke off due to the cold and i was leaking coolant and couldnt figure it out cause like most problems i overlooked it cause it was too obvious. make sure there are not cracks in there or that it is still attached. i found it when i opened the hood and it looked like my coolant tank exploded cause everything was covered in coolant

 

[iluvmacs]

I had one of the 4 bolts that hold the pump to the right side of the block work it's way loose. I didn't notice it until I smelled coolant, followed the green trail up to the pump, and noticed one bolt missing.

Solved with a <$5 bolt from the dealer.

FWIW

 

[rs39]

Thanks guys!

I filled the reservoir up from about 3/4 to Low, right to the Full line shortly after the first post. The next day it was up to the bottom of the word Full, and it has stayed between there and the line 1/4" down. Avg for the blorches of pressure back/forth. No new drips seen yet either.

But this am, all is dry under hood except for underneath the radiator cap hose. Under other hoses are dry, but the first 2" I can readily reach have an extra-slick slime underneath.

So that's probably it for now on my ride. I'll keep an eye on it and get after it the first warm front.

 

[t3xazboy]

on Mine i still have to buy a small clamp. on the little 1/2 in. hose goin from the radiator cap to the reservoir it just drips a few. but then the drops drop in front for the fans. and gives out a bit of smell. other than that. replacing my radiator fixd my problem.