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Coolant loss Issue

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Old Nov 17, 2011 | 05:57 AM
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Coolant loss Issue

Hey guys... Back again.... So ive searched and found really no information on this issue, so i need some feedback. Ive noticed that i am losing coolant out of the reservoir. No power loss, pulls like a champ, and also no overheating issues. However i noticed about 2 weeks ago that my coolant reservoir was empty. I filled it with antifreeze to the fill line and i just looked under there now and it was damn near empty again. I did notice when i was trying to figure out what was wrong with my car 2 weeks ago that there was what looked to be antifreeze around the rim of the oil fill area. Im not seeing any leaks in the driveway nor am i smelling antifreeze burning anywhere. Also there is no white smoke except for when i first start up and its cold out, but nothing excessive. The car is not overheating and the needle stays where it is supposed to be. The radiator is about a year old also. The only thing that i have noticed that seems a little odd is a smell of nothing that i can describe as other than a "fart" when i back into the drive way. What could be the issue.
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 06:28 AM
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Coolant leak somewhere? Pressure test the system, check the cap too, make sure it's working correctly.
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
Coolant leak somewhere? Pressure test the system, check the cap too, make sure it's working correctly.
you have a leak somewhere, you have to if you filled the reservoir and it's empty again

who replaced the radiator? If it was at a shop, stop by and chat with the mechanic and let them know what's going on.
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:15 AM
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The "fart" smell is the hot antifreeze it sounds like its leaking while you're driving. Check your water pump.
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:23 AM
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From: landofmakebelieve,nj
Originally Posted by Swazey
you have a leak somewhere, you have to if you filled the reservoir and it's empty again

who replaced the radiator? If it was at a shop, stop by and chat with the mechanic and let them know what's going on.
I replaced it. like i said i did that a year ago. Its been perfectly fine all this time.

Originally Posted by 2000_MAXIMA_KING
The "fart" smell is the hot antifreeze it sounds like its leaking while you're driving. Check your water pump.
wouldnt i smell it all the time though... just a question. i only smell it when i have to back in the driveway since i have to roll my windows down at night since its hard to see with 5% tint in a dark driveway. When im driving forward or sittin still i dont smell it.
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:36 AM
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when the pump leaks, the location where you saw the coolant is where it comes down to from the weep hole of the water pump. pressure test the system like suggested above.
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 09:15 AM
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Look closely at your upper radiator tank at the base of the filler for a crack, and at the point the plastic tank seals to the aluminum body of the radiator. The fart smell while reversing is your catalytic converter.
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 04:00 PM
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remove the right side splash shield, and take a look at lower radiator hose. Mine was leaking there, but it was leaking and was collecting on top of the splash shield.
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by asand1
Look closely at your upper radiator tank at the base of the filler for a crack, and at the point the plastic tank seals to the aluminum body of the radiator. The fart smell while reversing is your catalytic converter.
So does that mean that my cat is clogged????
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 07:39 PM
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Not necessarily. But its dying. I would replace it with a glass pack muffler and use the anti-fowler o2 simulator. You can get away with this if you have no smog inspections.
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 07:41 PM
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Look in areas directly in front of the valve cover for coolant leaks.
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 07:44 PM
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Yea the smell of the cat going bad is also known as "bad eggs"
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 06:52 AM
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Check to see if the cooling fans start when up to temp. My engine coolant temp sensor failed and it was overheating, causing the resouvior to empty
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by skypilots
Check to see if the cooling fans start when up to temp. My engine coolant temp sensor failed and it was overheating, causing the resouvior to empty
Yeah my fans come on when they are supposed to. and to you guys that mentioned the cat. guess my test pipe will be going on sooner than anticpated, and also will the bad cat affect my gas milage??? because even with new coils plugs pcv and fuel filter pump and 3 injectors replaced in still only getting about 16 mpg
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 04:28 PM
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??????
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by maxxxdout
Yeah my fans come on when they are supposed to. and to you guys that mentioned the cat. guess my test pipe will be going on sooner than anticpated, and also will the bad cat affect my gas milage??? because even with new coils plugs pcv and fuel filter pump and 3 injectors replaced in still only getting about 16 mpg
If it was plugged it would for sure.
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 06:35 PM
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Go to a shop and get them to put that special coolant dye in the system. That way when it leaks and dries, you'll be able to clearly see it with a UV light. Take it back to them and if they can't find anything in the engine bay then it means your engine is consuming the coolant as opposed to leaking it.
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 03:21 AM
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I am going to bet its your seal on the water pump located closest to propellars. Took off my upper oil pan this summer and noticed that the antifreeze had a slow leak directly into the oil pan. Have you ever changed your pump?
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 03:52 AM
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From: landofmakebelieve,nj
Originally Posted by Trini Boom
I am going to bet its your seal on the water pump located closest to propellars. Took off my upper oil pan this summer and noticed that the antifreeze had a slow leak directly into the oil pan. Have you ever changed your pump?
Nope.. im gonna have to check all this stuff you guys mentioned out. it was daddy n son time this weekend so between him and work i was unable to really mess with the car but ill check it this week.
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by maxxxdout
Nope.. im gonna have to check all this stuff you guys mentioned out. it was daddy n son time this weekend so between him and work i was unable to really mess with the car but ill check it this week.
I would start with this procedure first. The pump is still good. Just buy two OEM seals. Shouldn't be more than $6 and replace them.
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by maxxxdout
Nope.. it was daddy n son time this weekend
It was nice you could spend time with daddy. JK.

I understand being with the kids, I don't do it enough.
Old Nov 22, 2011 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by asand1
It was nice you could spend time with daddy. JK.

I understand being with the kids, I don't do it enough.

A$$... lol...
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