I took my car to Fighters Garage 2 days ago for oil change and new air filters. I didn't really drive the car since its hot in Pensacola now anyway. A few minutes ago, I was gonna go to Whataburger for some food when the "add coolant"buzzer went off before I started the car. I didn't start the car of course and proceded to the hood. I grabbed a flashlight and checked the radiator cap area where theres normally coolant but this time there was none. I decided to manually push the car back and take a look at the ground. And where the engine was sitting was a big pool of dried up radiator fluid.... So I pushed the car back into its parking spot and now I guess I need to get some radiator fluid so I can take it to the mechanic to have it taken care of >_> . I'm guessing some hose was unhooked or something (im not too car technical). They seemed like nice people so I don't think they would do it on purpose. Anway, my question is what type of radiator fluid do I need to buy and maybe suggestions on what might have happened? I've never purchased it before so I have no idea. I'm in Pensacola Florida if that helps in choosing a specific type or brand. I just need to get to the mechanic really but its not that close.

thewird

 

Get a coolant pressure test done to locate the leak. One of your coolant hoses could be bad. I've had several go with only a slight pinhole that showed itself only after the car was driven and sat while it cooled.

I suggest buying the coolant hose kit from Ray at Malloy Mazda. If your hoses haven't been replaced then its a good chance it's time to change them all. I run a 20/80 coolant/distilled water ratio.

 

some people run evans coolant, some 80/20 distilled water mix like car hugger.

if youre just looking to put some coolant in to get to point b, the regular green 50/50 mix should be fine.

did you by any chance see if you were running hot? the overflow tank tends to leak when it does...

 

As I said, I hadn't driven the car since it came from the mechanic due to the extreme temperatures here so I don't know if it was hot or not. It was probably hot when I parked it and then just sat there for 2 days. I usually keep a close eye on the temp gauge to see if it goes above horizontal.

thewird

 

add coolant, turn the engine on, look for obvious leaks...

if it seems fine, drive around for a bit and check the coolant level often. if leak persists, get that pressurized test as previously suggested.

 

Yah, I'm definately taking it to the mechanic regardless. I need to drive back to Toronto (2 day drive) next week and can't have coolant leaking. Thanks for the input guys.

thewird

 

Due to the fact that it was so hot there (causing coolant temps to rise, and coolant pressure to increase), it's likely that either a hose or the radiator itself (a fairly common problem - they leak where the end tanks are attched) has sprung a leak. You should get it pressure tested and repair the problem before you drive it more to avert a disastrous leak that could ruin the engine from overheating.

 

Yeah, top it off with some green antifreeze (like Prestone) and see if the car leaks. If not, drive it to Fighters - they can pressure test the system for you. I'd be suspicious of the stock AST on the car - I've mentioned that to you in PM, and Fighters has their AST's in stock.

If it's a coolant hose, I have a full set of new Mazda coolant hoses at the house. If you need a hose on the car, I can give you one of mine and have Fighters bill you for it and order me a new one.

If all else fails and it's leaking too much to drive, call Fighters and let them know and I can do a house call for ya. Whatever's the problem, we can fix it.

Dale

 

I looked around the AST and there didn't seem to be any coolant on anywhere near there so its probably just a hose that popped due to pressure from the heat. I don't usually drive during the day since the A/C gave out on the drive down here even though I fixed it before coming down... Anyway, I've been meaning to go to Fighters to do the AST change but have been to busy with coding so this gives me a reason to go since I can't do late night driving until its fixed ^_^.

thewird