Hi Everyone,

My 97 Elantra is doing the strangest thing. It started losing coolant a few months ago and we couldn't see a leak. Took it to a few mechanics. Finally found a leak and was told it wasn't a headgasket. (My oil was fine, no gunk around where the oil goes in, no white smoke and no antifreeze smell)

The mechanic did replace the beat up radiator. This seems to have solve the overheating problem it was having. Now we are still losing coolant but having no signs of why. I believe I do have a small leak in one hose towards the front passenger side but nothing too serious looking. I just fill my reservior yesterday and 24 hours later, it is dry again.

Could the heat be making the car hold in the coolant after sitting for over 8 hours parked?

Thanks
Hope

You fill up the reservoir or the radiator itself? The reservoir pulls extra coolant as needed for the radiator, so if it was a little low when you filled it up it will need to pull more in until it's full. If you're needing to refill the radiator itself, then you must have a significant leak somewhere, in which case you should start the car and warm it up until the coolant starts to circulate (upper radiator hose will get hot) and look for leaks from the radiator, hoses, clamps, around the thermostat, etc.

another point, are the front carpets wet? you could have a leak from the heater matrix

Thank you both! I just got back from a business trip and my husband took the car to the mechanic while I was gone. It was definately a leak. The bottom of my water pump is severely cracked and is being replaced today.

Hope