Coolant system issues

Hi, I have a 1998 SL2 with a DOHC and 145k miles on it. I have somewhere what I think is a coolant leak, but here are my symtoms.

I lose coolant very slowly, probably have to add maybe half a cup about once a month (the lights blink). There is a typical "sweet" smell around the car in the garage. The temperature gauge seems to be at a normal level. I have replaced the CTS in the car as well as the thermstat and radiator (old one leaked). I don't see any pooling or even drops under the car. I do however sometimes here what I could best describe as a water rushing sound when I first start the morning. I don't smell anything in the car, only around the car. Nothing leaks inside the car either (or at least I can see). This one is confusing me!! :banghead:

THANKS!

Jamie

automatic transaxle? your heater hose could be leaking. if your heater core was leaking, you should smell a hint of coolant while it was running and possibly be very hard to defrost windshield because the moisture just gets thrown back on it. your water pump could be leaking. its just sort of hard to say if you dont notice any puddles and you can smell the coolant.

Yes, it is an auto. Thats a good idea to check around the hoses. Its always the simple things you (rahter I) don't think of. I don't usually smell it inside the car, but it definetely is there when I get out of the car. It does seem to defrost the windows, but interestingly enough, the whole care can get VERY humid, but that tends to be when there are alot of people in it. I wouldn't doubt the heater core could be bad/leaking. The water rushing sound what puzzles me. Almost like air in the system...saw one post somewhere out there with some one else having the same problem, but never had a solution. Thanks!!

Jamie
:cwm27:

automatic transaxle? your heater hose could be leaking. if your heater core was leaking, you should smell a hint of coolant while it was running and possibly be very hard to defrost windshield because the moisture just gets thrown back on it. your water pump could be leaking. its just sort of hard to say if you dont notice any puddles and you can smell the coolant.

check both engine oil and ATF, if ether are high and look milky, stop driving, you are in need of major repairs.

two other possibletys, since it is a slow leak.
1. boil off - system not holding pressure due to cap not sealing properly. quick check. when the engine is has been running an is warm. squeeze the upper radiator hose(careful it will be hot) it should be very firm.
2. system only leaking when pressurized/very small leak - such a leak will only appear when the engine is hot and will not leave a puddle in your driveway. you may be able to see it when the engine is running but more likely you will only see a white stain left in the area of the leak from the dryed coolant. also remember a leak onto the exhaust system will never see the ground.

fyi- the most common area for a saturn to leak coolent is near wear the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator on the driver's side.

Awsome...I am going to check it out tonight/this weekend. I do use it quite a bit, and I bet that is what it is...probably a tiny leak. THank you very very much!!!

Jamie

so you have replaced the radiator. the one spot i know of that most people have issues with, is the upper trans cooler line on the radiator. it developes a hariline crack and leaks just enough to cause problems, yet most of the time you never find the leak, unless you look real close at that upper trans line.

just a thought, even with a new radiator.

Hi

Actually, we did replace it, and I believe that was the exact reason, but I should check to make sure it didn't happen again. I believe I bought a reman one (it looked good, but that doesn't mean anything). I replaced the lines (cooling, not trans) at the same time. I remember there was some bleed/crust be the line and my brother recommended replacing it. I also changed the thermo at the same time. I did replace the CTS, and I am also going to check to make sure it is not leaking..

Thanks so much

Jamie

so you have replaced the radiator. the one spot i know of that most people have issues with, is the upper trans cooler line on the radiator. it developes a hariline crack and leaks just enough to cause problems, yet most of the time you never find the leak, unless you look real close at that upper trans line.

just a thought, even with a new radiator.