Coolant leak
Coolant leak
Found a nice puddle of coolant on the top of the splash shield on the driver's side. I'm not too familiar with how the cooling system is set-up. Is there a fitting, drain plug, etc... in that area that could possibly have come loose? There appears to be no obvious leak from any of the hoses. I've had the heater core replaced a couple of times (last time was March 2011) and I've always been able to detect a slight scent of antifreeze after a drive, wonder if they didn't tighten something properly? I've been in the engine bay multiple times and never noticed a leak until now.
'09 Mazda5 Grand Touring
Re: Coolant leak
The radiator drain plug is right in that area. You may need a new seal for the plug.
The best time to check for leaks is when the engine is hot and just shut off so the cooling system is pressurized. Dry everything up beforehand and look for fresh coolant in the area. When driving the leaked coolant gets blown around so it is hard to tell where it came from. If you can get it to leak while sitting still you have a better chance of following the trail uphill to the source of the leak.
The best time to check for leaks is when the engine is hot and just shut off so the cooling system is pressurized. Dry everything up beforehand and look for fresh coolant in the area. When driving the leaked coolant gets blown around so it is hard to tell where it came from. If you can get it to leak while sitting still you have a better chance of following the trail uphill to the source of the leak.
Re: Coolant leak
Thanks for the reply. Upon further inspection, it looks like the leak may be originating from the area of the drain plug. I'll head over to the local Toyota dealer later and see if they have a new plug. I've looked online and found them for around $4 + shipping, hopefully their price is comparable.
'09 Mazda5 Grand Touring
Re: Coolant leak
Dealer did not have a new drain plug in stock so the parts guy took a used one off of a radiator he had in back and gave it to me for free - so big thanks to Toyota of Muncie parts dept.
Unfortunately it did not solve my problem. Swapped out the plugs and drove around the block a few times to get it warmed up, came home, popped the hood and looked at another puddle of coolant on the splash shield. This time I also saw a puddle forming on the passenger side, so I think that pretty much rules out a bad plug. Drove it to the dealer (took my other car last time) and service guy looks at it and notices coolant dripping from the corner of the radiator itself. So basically the radiator is shot and I'm getting a new one put in tomorrow. Not an expense I had planned for
Unfortunately it did not solve my problem. Swapped out the plugs and drove around the block a few times to get it warmed up, came home, popped the hood and looked at another puddle of coolant on the splash shield. This time I also saw a puddle forming on the passenger side, so I think that pretty much rules out a bad plug. Drove it to the dealer (took my other car last time) and service guy looks at it and notices coolant dripping from the corner of the radiator itself. So basically the radiator is shot and I'm getting a new one put in tomorrow. Not an expense I had planned for
'09 Mazda5 Grand Touring