Another Possible Coolant Problem

I had the headgasket replaced 2 months ago and two days ago. I notice the coolant resivour is low again and I can smell coolant outside the car. The hoses are fine and the car is starting and running fine. Does it sounds like another head gasket or could this be a water pump or something else? Could the head be warp and the gasket not sealing right?

I also had the valve cover gasket and spark plugs and oil change at the same time.. I don't want to drop another $500-$950 into this car.

ok if the hoses are fine, check for leaks on the radiator itself... replace the radiator cap if it appears worn or with alot of radiator coolant on the outside of it. Also check the plug on the bottom of the radiator that allows the coolant to drain out, that may be leaking or broken. Check the overflow bottle to make sure that it is not cracked or leaking, and check the hose leading from it to the radiator cap tie in.

If none of this is bad, then unfortunately there may be a bigger problem inside the engine with leaking coolant :frown:

ok if the hoses are fine, check for leaks on the radiator itself... replace the radiator cap if it appears worn or with alot of radiator coolant on the outside of it. Also check the plug on the bottom of the radiator that allows the coolant to drain out, that may be leaking or broken. Check the overflow bottle to make sure that it is not cracked or leaking, and check the hose leading from it to the radiator cap tie in.

If none of this is bad, then unfortunately there may be a bigger problem inside the engine with leaking coolant :frown: I agree 100% with this advice..If you can find the leak from the outside use a coolant pressure tester and see if it helps. Those plastic over flow tanks can crack easily

Thanks for the info guys. Well I had it looked at last night by the guy who replaced the headgasket. There was coolant all along the top of the radiator where the metal seem is. So it looks light radiator time. I haven't had any problems with this car until it turned 5 yrs old in April 07. :banghead:

I just don't want to keep nickel and diming this car to keep it running. It seems like every week there is something going on the car. The clip that holds the stand for the hood is broken and also the gas cap door hing is broken and won't open from inside the card.. This car is starting to aggrevate me. :banghead:

Thanks for the info guys. Well I had it looked at last night by the guy who replaced the headgasket. There was coolant all along the top of the radiator where the metal seem is. So it looks light radiator time. I haven't had any problems with this car until it turned 5 yrs old in April 07. :banghead:

I just don't want to keep nickel and diming this car to keep it running. It seems like every week there is something going on the car. The clip that holds the stand for the hood is broken and also the gas cap door hing is broken and won't open from inside the card.. This car is starting to aggrevate me. :banghead: These problems are minor.As long as you have a good running engine and solid tranny that car can go several more years with few problems...Spend the 200 bucks and enjoy knowing thats about 1/2 of a car payment

wow you paid for a headgasket repair..why ??? did it have a check engine light for code p0300(,1,2,3,4).. i have never seen coolant leak from out side the cylinder head on a 2.5 altima ..as far as coolant level the 2.5 is very hard to purge air from coolant system causing low cabin heat in winter and it might run hot ... you may need your coolant system purged of air pocket to get a accurate diagnoisis of were the coolant is going

wow you paid for a headgasket repair..why ??? did it have a check engine light for code p0300(,1,2,3,4).. i have never seen coolant leak from out side the cylinder head on a 2.5 altima ..as far as coolant level the 2.5 is very hard to purge air from coolant system causing low cabin heat in winter and it might run hot ... you may need your coolant system purged of air pocket to get a accurate diagnoisis of were the coolant is going

Yes I had to pay for the headgasket repair. I have had this car since April 2002. The headgasket was blown and yes my check engine light was on.

The problem this time is a bad radiator. You can see coolant leaking from the top seam of the radiator. So I a, getting the radiator replaced tomorrow. I had a complete coolant flush a few months ago..

What do you mean "you may need your coolant system purged of air pocket"?

My problem is I don't have any leaks, fan works but no heat?

What is the correct way to purge the coolent system? Is this something I can do or do I need to take this to a shop?