Coolant Leak?

[itsonlygeorge]

It seems that I have a coolant leak somewhere and I am worried and I want to find out where it is so I can address the issue. I am hoping that it's not an indication of the head gasket going toast.

The 'Coolant' light went on a week or two ago while I was driving home and I topped it off and have been keeping an eye on the reservoir. It came on again today an it seems low. The last time the light came on what over a month before that, and maybe about two months before that. Whatever leak there is seems to be getting worse.

I checked the oil and it is black, and not mayonnaise colored. The coolant doesn't seem dirty either.

There are two places on the engine that are wet, above/around the bitch tube and on the front left/crank case of the engine. I think the leak on the front is near the thermostat or water pump but I am not sure exactly.

Is there anyway to figure out what exactly those two leaks are? I know there are some UV additives that help identify leaks. Is there one for radiator/coolant systems? I drive about 40 mins to work everyday and I need my car in good shape.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow when I have a chance and it's light out.

[dnguyen1963]

The easy way to find the leak is to wipe everything down then look for new leakage. It sounds to me like your water pump is leaking. When was the last time you done a timing belt/water pump?

[itsonlygeorge]

According to the previous owners receipts, the water pump was last changed 7/3/12.

[meengreene30]

I'd try tightening down your coolant hoses to start with and go from there. That whole expanding/contracting thing... The leak you're seeing by the bitch tube could actually be from the thermostat housing area and blowing, or running back to the point you're noticing.

[101]

^^^
good possibility.

I just fixed a leak on my IX in that spot. The gasket between the thermostat housing and the head had failed. I took the opportunity to clean everything else up while it was off.

It should be fairly easy to spot once the engine is warmed up and turned off. Coolant remains under pressure and will make itself known pretty quickly.

Good luck!