1997 Honda Civic Coolant Loss

76,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JEANNIE8
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I have been noticing that when I get to my destination there is smell coming from the engine compartment. I checked the coolant reservior and notice it is empty. I have been adding coolant and losing coolant. My temp gauge is OK except one time when I was stuck in a traffic jam and the gauge went to the hot zone. My oil level if fine as well as the color and I recently had my water pump replaced and timing belt.
There is no coolant on the ground. I do notice that there may have been coolant splashing near the resevior container. I am hoping it is not the manifold gasket since that is expensive. Also is constantly filling the coolant resevior bad for the engine.
Jul 5, 2010 at 12:45 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi Jeannie8,

When coolant requires constant replenishing, it is not too bad. You have a leak somewhere and the recovery tank is being drained to replenish lost coolant.

A pressure test should be able to detect the leak.

It is not a gasket problem yet but if it is not rectified, the leak is going to get worse and when it overheats it is going to damage the engine.
Jan 28, 2021 at 1:36 AM
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