losing coolant.. help
 

I have an 04 automatic, 65k miles on it. the new motor has about 10k miles on it. As of about a month ago the car is slowly losing coolant, there doesnt appear to be any obvious leaks although I havent really got under the car to check every hose yet. It doesnt blow any smoke or anything either that I am aware of.. Any ideas what this can be before I really dig into the issue? I am hoping to not have to take it to the dealer since its my only car right now and it most likely wont be under warrenty. Thanks

An overnight on a big piece of cardbord will show if it drips - you better hope it does drip because the alternative is not good.

Good luck,

S

whats the alternative?

Crawl under the front of the car with a flashlight and look at the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump.

I will, but whats a wheep hole and what will I be looking for

I havent, I have filled it when the light comes on.. it seems to last about 4-5 days of regular driving then it comes back on.

the weep hole is sort oflike a breather on the water pump a little hole check to make sure it's not pouring out of there.....i agree witht he cardboard overnight sould take care of where its coming from if it's leaking

yeah, i'd definitely agree with putting a piece of cardboard under the car for a night.

that will definitely tell you a lot.

I had/have the same problem...https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/coolant-leak-161328/. No external leaks noted...looks like I may have a coolant seal going.

any idea where you can pick up those testers there talking about in your thread, to check the pressure in teh cooling system?

Yeah, from Sear's and places like that. They are around 120 bucks, it's easier and cheaper to have it tested at mechanic shop.

yeah ill pass on that.. thanks for the info

alright its the water pump.. just took a look and its soaked and all around it is soaked.. looks like its coming strait from the whole on the bottom.. anyways, just asking if I should just get a factory replacement or I hear of people getting upgraded ones, is that nessesary on a stock automatic car?

It's the perfect time to upgrade to the Mazmart water pump. I'll be you'll find that the price is about the same. Is it necessary, no. But, it is extra insurance on those hot days.

Update: The price for a OEM pump (online) is about $100
The price for a Mazmart RE-medy Hi flow water pump is $245.00

150 extra for the upgraded? I think ill go with oem again.. The car doesnt get tracked or really abused so i think the oem will do. thanks though

yeah but living in FL i know how it gets hot and it could help but it's not like u will run into any probs changing with the OEM

I always wondered why people would use OEM replacements for parts that failed......

I would never use 'same-as-the-one-that-just-dropped-off' parts, I always look to upgrade if possible.

...but that's just me.

S

well in a week im moving to salt lake city so it wont be in this really damn hot florida wheather.

People replace with the factory because it lasted 65k miles, its a part that is going to wear out, ill replace and get another 65k miles out of it.

I am going to try to get the upgrade money is just tight right now, moving across country in a week and I already have dropped over a grand into the car in the past week (new wheels and snow tires) along with a bunch of maintenance stuff.

are there any DIY's for the water pump install online? I have searched and cant find any.. I can probably figure it out but it would be nice to have a guide :)