Hmmm first post, but need some good advice so i figured im in the right place.

Just bought an 8 (04 with 50k) when i test drove it, well it was running like a dream. It already had aftermarket suspension and a lighter flywheel and clutch. The day i bought it after 15mins of driving it i started smelling coolant bad. Then the coolant light came on, although i was out all day and couldnt figure out what it was and my car has no manual. As i came to found thatnight when i got home and checked my coolant there was none in the resivour(sp). In the morning i filled it up. When i got to work my boss swore it was dripping coolant so i ran it by his "go to" mechanic, Who after trying to charge me $130 to try to find the leak told me to leave the coolant cap loose so it wont build up pressure and blow a possible leaky hose. After driving with the cap loose the check engine light came on. Tightened the cap and checked the coolant level (still had the same amount) and the chec engine light and coolant light turned off and have been off for atleast a day.

So as of now...there isnt a problem or any leaking coolant on the ground that i can see, or any warning lights on. It just really worries me so im trying to figure out what couldve been the problem and what i need to keep my eye on.

Sorry about the lengthy post but firgured a run down of EVERYTHING would be helpful for proper advice...oh also ill have pics up of my car in the "car and gf" section as soon as i can get her to wash it.

 

Maybe the coolant was overfilled and the pressure caused some of it to run out the hose that hangs over the radiator.
It would explain why you smelled it burning and why the level doesn't appear to be dropping anymore.

 

"ill have pics up of my car in the "car and gf" section as soon as i can get her to wash it"

wow u make yur gf wash your car? unless its specifically for the forum section.....why dont you take it back to the dealer and have them fix it? i'm sure they have some sort of 30 day warranty....

 

i actually had a similar problem when i got mine the dealer sometimes overfills it i guess mine went away too but my coolant came outa the overflow and to the engine bay thats what caused the smell

 

It wouldn't hurt to have the cooling system tested while pressurized.

 

It is very possible that it was, just as everyone has been saying, overfilled. Just be sure to watch to make sure it does not leak anymore. Sometimes overfilling (esp with too much water and not enough antifreeze) can cause a coolant hose to pop off or leak from the pressure loosening its attatchments.

 

How does the amount of antifreeze affect when a hose "pops"?

 

Between the coolant reservoir and the air intake box you'll see a hose dangling down.
When too much coolant is used, it'll flow out that hose and onto the radiator.

 

and ruin your electric power steering connectors.

 

When doing your premix, if you add too much water and not enough antrifreeze, the water can boil since it is not "cut" enough. The boiling water creates water vapor which is at a higher volume than water itself. Therefore, the pressure will increase in the coolant system. Seen it happen countless times on peoples cars who get their water pump replaced or any other repair that requires draining/ refilling the coolant and the shop adds too much water. Just had to fix my friends car a month back cause the shop put too much water in her coolant and one of her coolant hoses popped off from the pressure.

 

yes!
I was gonna add that but forgot... thanks!
This has occurred with many members including myself.

 

Really? I've never seen that happen for the reason you talk about. What is the "right" amount of water to use?

 

The standard is just your 50/50 mix (half water, half coolant). Although I have heard of others in other areas running more coolant than that in their 8's. Depending on the time of year, where you live, how you drive, etc...you can vary the mix if you know what you are doing.

 

Well i got it from an independent seller, and after the first time i txted him with a question i cant get a call/txt back from him... so im on my own there. I'm using 50/50 mix, and after today (was out driving pretty hard) the coolant seems fine and still no dash warning lights so hopefully that problem is pretty much solved.

Also...i dont make her wash my car, she's just really really sweet to me...i mean i help

 

What do you say to her to make her wash your car? Teach me your ways.

 

You can get a PDF version of the manual by signing up in the owner's section at mazdausa.com.

Ken

 

I agree prob overfilled!

 

I had a similar issue, but I was due for my 22,500 mi service so I asked when I brought it in. They replaced the "coolant subtank" and the issue hasn't come back since. It was under warranty for me, so I can't tell you how much it'd cost but it was an "outpatient" procedure. My gf took it in about 2pm or so and was home by 4, and that included the service and diagnosis.

 

Search a bit on the forums here: in the 2004 and 2005 models the coolant level sensor can be faulty. Some issue with the tank design. But like I said search for some more details before just ignoring it...

 

well i take that back, for some unknown reason i was in the dog house today and had to wash it myself... i even taught her how to drive it!

As far as the pdf goes i found one on importworkshop.com but the damn thing is pretty vauge about coolant problems and is 23423743029483267849032943817463278 pages long, most of them blank pages at that