Why is my Saturn loosing radiator fluid?

Question

I have a 99' Saturn Sl2 which uses Dex-cool radiator fluid. I do all the repairs on the car myself so I really just need a sanity check here. I have not had to add fluid in over 3 years now last week I had to add a quarter gallon and again today I had to add a quarter gallon. I see no steam out of the engine compartment, no smoke out of the tail pipe, and no drips on the pavement. I do see a tiny bit of fluid of some sort flung off the serpentine belt. I have not checked the engine oil for contamination but this car runs super nice and has been well maintained. You guys think this is the water pump? If so how would I know. If not what do you think. The car has the original hoses. what would you do?

Answer 1

i would pressure test the system to see if its leaking somewhere

this could be a water pump   or a heater core  

the water pump is easy enough to get at and see if its leaking at the flange or at the shaft that the pully sits on

the heater core can be checked by looking for coolant on the floor board under the dash

Answer 2

HI

I'd check the radiator cap to see if its holding perisher. check all hose connections as well as look over the pump good there should be a weep hole in the bottom of the pump for the fluid to escape if the seal goes bad.

OH check the floor board under the heater for wetness may be the heater core is leaking.

good luck

Tim

Answer 3

The water pump should have a "weep hole" that leaks coolant when the pump is going bad. If it feels wet where the shaft goes into the pump, that's your problem. Losing a quart per week sounds about right. It could also be hose  or connection going bad, feel around each hose for wetness.

Answer 4

Get a mirror and look at the bottom of the water pump just behind the pulley, there is what is called a weep hole that leaks fluid when the water pump seal is going bad.