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Coolant leaking

Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN L100
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 142,367 MILES
I have the car listed above sc1 where it’s got very low miles. I drive about 50 miles a week maybe once a month 100 miles. So I had my radiator replaced last year no problems. Then just a week ago my coolant light came on it wasn’t overheating same indicator spot was it on, air flow was normal heat, by the time I got home I was almost empty. I bought some more coolant put it in and thought that was it drove about 1 mile and the coolant light came back on. So I got home and put cardboard underneath the car in the areas that I read should be a place it might leak. Its coolant looks normal, by the way no oil in it. It was on the middle of where the radiator is maybe a couple of inches down it was hard to tell after it rained. I’m hoping to get ideas to do it myself because my mechanic isn’t able to see me until January 6th and that’s only to dialogue it. It’s not making in engine noise sounds or smoke out of the exhaust it runs pretty much like normal. That’s what’s so frustrating is when I read others that have a similar issue it just isn’t the same problem or isn’t any close to mine. I do know that the oil change place said I needed to replace my gasket on the oil something it was $169.00 he said all it does is cause you to lose oil faster. Other than that I’ve replaced almost every part that matters.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 7:44 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

It could be a few places that are leaking. The water pump, the radiator, a hose, and so on.

What we need to do first is to determine where the leak is coming from. Here is a link that explains how to locate and repair a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

If that doesn't help, we need to pressurize the system. It will cause the leak to occur and help locate where it is coming from. You will need a pressure tester. Most parts stores will lend or rent one to you. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know if this is something you feel comfortable doing. Once we determine where it is coming from, I can explain how to fix it.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Thank you so much. The radiator mechanic said he would see if he could diagnose it for me for free. I’m just not too sure I want to drive it but it’s only two blocks. I’ll look at those links. I appreciate the fast response. Michelle
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi Michelle,

If you drive it, fill the coolant first and pay close attention to the temperature gauge. You don't want to cause other damage.

If you have a chance, let me know what he finds for you. Also, feel free to let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and Happy New Year!

Joe
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
You know what I think it is. The coolant reservoir because I’ll put the coolant in and before I get a chance to start the engine (I know I should start the engine first) but it just goes right out when I start it there is a little bit coolant but no signs throughout the hoses and anywhere it was suggested. I’m telling you as I pour it it’s almost gone. I’m not going to drive it period. I have online shopping and groceries delivered to my house work and all channels so I’ll wait until the 6th I have two ways to get it towed to the mechanics which in going to do and it’s about 2 streets down and 4 streets up but if it’s going out that fast no way will I chance it. The stimulus bill is not making it better for us so I need a working car. Lol. Thanks, Michelle
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My it get better!
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Michelle,

When you pour it into the expansion tank, do you see it leaking right back out? If so, you can get a new overflow bottle for really cheap and do it yourself. It could also be the hose attached. We just need to confirm the location.

If you don't see it leaking back out, there is a good chance the system is just that low.

Here are the directions for replacing the tank. Take a look through it and see if you are comfortable doing it. Also, I can help you if you run into trouble.

The attached pics correlate with the directions.

_______________

2001 Saturn L100 L4-2.2L VIN F
Procedures
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Coolant Reservoir Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
SURGE TANK

REMOVAL

pic 1

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Drain coolant.
3. Remove return hose to surge tank clamp and remove hose from fitting.

Pic 2

4. Remove head degas hose to surge tank clamp and remove hose.

Pic 3

5. Remove rear surge tank attachment clip.

Pic 4

6. Remove surge tank from mounting tabs by rotating forward and inward.

Pic 5

7. Disconnect low coolant level sensor electrical connector.
8. Remove surge tank from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Connect low coolant level sensor electrical connector to surge tank.
2. Slide surge tank onto lower and rail mounting tabs.

Pic 6

3. Install surge tank rear retaining clip.

Pic 7

4. Install return hose to surge tank and install clamp at 2 o'clock position.

Pic 8

5. Install head degas hose to surge tank and install clamp at 1 o'clock position.
6. Connect negative battery cable.
Torque:
Battery Terminal Bolts: 17 Nm (13 ft. Lbs.)
7. Fill cooling system.

________________________________

Let me know if I can help. And like you, I hope 2021 is better. How could it be worse?

Take care and Happy New Year,

Joe
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Thank you so much I have someone who might be able to help me. I went to move it to another spot to see exactly where it’s leaking and yes when I pour almost 3/4 of a gallon of coolant I start my car within 1-2 minutes the coolant light comes on. It shows no signs that it even went through the coolant system and it’s leaking underneath the coolant reservoir in around that area it’s hard to tell exactly the point because it’s get rain water, previous spots of stuff and it’s blacktop. I did smell a little smoky but I could be just smelling the other cars around. I will try to get a ride to the automotive store or can I order it on Amazon it’s two days to get it? My family isn’t going to help me because they think I can’t do anything so I just want to try to fix it myself if it’s something easy and I totally believe it is. I have read looked at images and it all looks like that’s the problem. I’ll go out today and see what’s up with my car now that it’s not raining and let you know.
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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Should I replace the clamps, o-rings if there is any and anything that might be old so I don’t have any little issues in the future?
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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
If you see a leak from the reservoir, I would confirm if it is the reservoir or the hoses. Once we eliminate one, then we can get the right part. I will help you with that. Let me know which you find is the cause. And yes, always replace the clamps.

Let me know.

Happy New Year!

Joe
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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I’m going to replace the reservoir and the hose I found it on Amazon because I have no way to get to an automotive store. It’s around $69.00 and I can find clamps most likely I’ll post a picture of it to see if it’s the right part. At this point it’s not going to hurt to replace it and hoses stop! Well, it’s pointless now because the person I know that needs money I asked to help can’t give me a direct answer and the part won’t be here until the 6th same day my mechanic has put me in his schedule. So I’m going to just wait. I have no way to even walk to the nearest automotive store and it’s more of a problem for even if I pay for it to be done it’s too much stress to give a complete answer to a relatively simple question, this is insanity. Well, I’ll post this or share on my website or social media accounts about your amazing job and fast responses. But I’m not going to put my faith in an answer that requires more thought into it then a yes or no from people. I’m so sorry for wasting your time. I’m very sorry and upset at peoples lack of just being a human being normal not this time to think this hard on one thing is unbelievably.
Jan 6th is not far off I’m going to have it towed down to locally small business auto mechanic and help him out by letting him do it it’s no stress done right and a reasonable price. Okay, happy new year and hope you and your family stay safe.
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Friday, January 1st, 2021 AT 1:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

First, you are very welcome. I feel that is a good price. I checked rockauto and they were $55.00 for the reservoir, but no hoses and they charge shipping. So, I think you found a good deal.

Listen, if things change and you need help, please feel free to let me know. You're always welcome here.

Take care and I hope you had a good New Year's Day.

Joe
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Friday, January 1st, 2021 AT 11:47 PM
Tiny
BELLA4563
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I’m just waiting until 6th to have my mechanic fix it. It’s a local business and they do a great job for a little amount. I asked for a quote on replacing the water pump because at first it was the only thing I read about it and it was $269.00 but he said it probably won’t be that. Anyway it helps out during this crisis I have a little bit of extra money saved for future problems, lol. Too many of my local businesses are closed down and I’ve lived here all my life, it’s sad.
Have a safe and better year.
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 1:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
That sounds like a good plan. If in the future, you need help or directions for the water pump, please feel free to let me know.

Take care of yourself and always feel free to let us know if you have questions or need help.

Joe
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 AT 6:09 PM

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