95 LeSabre Temp Gauge

Hi. Just joined today..hoping someone could help me figure this out. My Buick runs great, but over the past several months, I've noticed the temperature gauge moving further and further towards the red. I've checked the coolant, and it is nearly at the full line. All other fluids are good as well. Today I drove it ony 3 miles, and it hit the red mark. I do notice the smell of coolant as I exit the vehicle, and a small wet mark on the drive directly under the engine each morning. The check engine light has not appeared, nor does the engine sound like it's having trouble. I don't want to take it in to the mechanic without knowing the possible causes. Please help.

Could you give more specific information on what side of the car you see the leak, driver’s side, passenger side or center and also in front, middle or rear of engine? For the engine to red line in three minutes, you must have a stuck thermostat or water pump impeller spinning on the shaft and not circulating the coolant. Also, check the fans to be sure they are operating as they should.
By the way, welcome to AF!:grinyes:

Thank you for the warm welcome. The leak is not too far off center, but a bit more towards passenger side, and a bit towards the front. It leaves about an 18 inch diameter spot, and you cannot see it unless you peer under, or move the car. It must be a slow leak because the coolant level hasn't moved much in days. Thanks again.

This sounds like a water pump leak or a coolant bypass hose or fitting. The water pump will leak from underneath and is very hard to see. Usually when they do leak, shaft wobble can be detected by removing the belt and placing hands on pulley to see if any shaft movement (wobble) can be detected. Keep an eye on that area and see if you notice any coolant on the drive belts. I would remove the thermostat ASAP to see if it is stuck in the closed position. I usually test them in a pan of water on the stove under medium heat and bring the water up to a boil to see if it opens all the way.:naughty: