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I have a 1998 Honda Civic (125K miles) that's leaking coolant like a sieve.
I just had the timing belt and water pump replaced in December 2007.
It started to overheat but I was able to pull off and turn off the engine
before it got too hot. The radiator and reservoir were bone dry. When I add
coolant, it pretty much leaks right out in a stream. The leak seems to be
right underneath the front bumper.
Does this sound like just a radiator issue or maybe something more
complicated like a head gasket? If I keep it topped off with fluid, is it
okay to drive short distances?
Thanks for any and all advice.
surlysable
You need to get under the car and see where it's coming from, that simple
task will tell you where it's coming from. If I were to guess, if it's
leaking REALLY bad like you say, it's probably not a head gasket as I'd
think the hole in the gasket would need to be so big to leak collant that
fast that your engine would probably be running like crap seeing as it
wouldn't be able to maintain any pressure.
It is safe to drive the car short distances, but I wouldn't recommend it if
your leaking coolant that fast. Antifreeze is quite tasty to many animals
(dogs) and will kill them if they drink enough, so you don't want to be
spilling that stuff all over.
giant016
Not the head gasket...I can assure you.
I'm assuming you don't have access to a cooling system pressure tester?
Zalight
considering the coolant "leaks right out in a streat", i don't think he'll
need a pressure tester.
carls47807
http://smiliesftw.com/x/turboeek4d.gif
This is true, however it will still help him locate any secondary smaller
leaks.
Sable, "The leak seems to be right underneath the front bumper" Indicates
most likely a problem with the hoses or fittings at the radiator or the
radiator itself. Where is the expansion tank located on these vehicles?
Zalight
