Coolant level check?

98' Where exactly do you check the coolant level, in the radiator or the overflow tank? I changed the termostat yesterday and noticed the overflow had about an inch in it while cold so I added a little. After driving to work today I saw a puddle on the ground right under the overflow hose so I'm guessing the level was fine, there's no cold level marked on the tank just hot. Also I can't see the fluid level in the radiator at all with the metal coil under the cap.

did you change your radiator cap also? the cap should be changed at the same time as the thermo as it is actually a pressure valve that works harder and wears out faster than the thermo.

on a stone cold engine the coolant level should be half the distance from the hot line to the bottom in the overflow tank, never let it run dry. stone cold the radiator level should be within a half inch of the top.

Thx, I located the leak it's right at the bottom bolt on the back plate of the water pump. When I changed the thermostat the pressure must have forced it's way out, can I reseal the water pump or just install a new one?

Thx, I located the leak it's right at the bottom bolt on the back plate of the water pump. When I changed the thermostat the pressure must have forced it's way out, can I reseal the water pump or just install a new one?

More than likely the leak is actually coming from the bottom weep hole. The way the coolant comes out and flows back makes it appear that the back plate is leaking. Once you get the pump off you'll see the line where the coolant traveled from the weep hole to the plate. If it's the weep hole, you'll need to replace the water pump.
There are instructions here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=498467