Coolant leak

JYD314

MEMBER
1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
255,000 MILES

My car is consuming alot of antifreeze, adding coolant several times a month. My temp gauge is way above normal and the low coolant light comes on even when its coolant in the vehicle. Its not leaking when sitting still and when the heat is on the guage is within normal range.
I had the thermostat replaced and coolant switch replaced.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Is there any evidence of coolant leaking under the vehicle? Have you checked to make sure the engine oil and trans fluid are not contaminated with coolant? Is there white smoke that comes from the exhaust of the vehicle?

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, September 10th, 2010 AT 1:42 PM

JYD314

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There is no coolant leak underneath car. I checked the oil and tranny fluid and didn't notice anything abnormal, fluids are of normal color. No smoke coming from either pipe.
It does look as if the fluid flowing into resevoir from radiator is more water than coolant. (Or could just be me).
The gauge hand used to read normal levels before I had t-stat, thermo switch and resevoir replaced.

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Friday, September 10th, 2010 AT 5:44 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

I wonder if the t-stat was put in upside down. It this didn't happen until the work was done, that is possible.

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Saturday, September 11th, 2010 AT 12:29 AM

JYD314

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I just noticed today that after I run the heater on low to keep gauge low, there is a drip comming from underneath passenger side of car after its parked and turned off. No coolant, just water. I"ll check to see if t stat is put n wrong.

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Saturday, September 11th, 2010 AT 3:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS