2002 Honda Civic Antifreeze leak

KEV52

MEMBER
2002 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
113,000 MILES

Just had maintenance done which included changing timing belt and water pump. Noticed a antifreeze smell in front of the car when I brought it home. The following day noted loss of fluid in the reservoir. Brought it back to the repair shop. They checked everything and did a pressure test plus 2 test drives but were unable to find a leak. Did change the change the cap on the radiator. Trailed antifreeze on my driveway and into the garage returning home from work today. No signs of overheating. Reservoir still has fluid but decreased in amount. No problems prior to the changing of the pump and belt. Any ideas at to the cause? Is it possible the new pump is defective?

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Check the level and refill if needed.
IT appears the leak is happening when the engine is hot. Sometime heat can cause expansion and leakage. IF this is true, call the shop and set an appointment that will allow you to bring it in an a leaking condition. IF the leak wasn't there before, then there is a fair chance the source is in the are the work was done.

Having said all that, some models are more prone to like an antifreeze level that isn't always in agreement with the level marks on the reservior. IT may want to have a lower level and it may spit out what it doesn't want. In this case keep an eye on the level and see if it continues to drop. If so, then we are back to the above scenario.