Definitely!, If it happens to be spraying in that direction. I would really be suspicious if the black plastic elbows have not been replaced with aluminum ones. Leaks from them are hard to see since they are so tucked in. The "flashlight in the dark" trick might help see that too.

 

Appreciate the responses. Took it for a 15 minute drive. got the temps up.. still smoking. Put in the driveway in the dark with a bright LED flashlight, had a friend sort of tap on the pedal while I looked under the hood.

I can't see anything, I *think* once in awhile there is a light mist of it spraying but I'm not sure. Most areas around the engine are dried up, but the plastic covering what looks to be the radiator (in the first 2 images I put, where it was soaked) is still wet with fluid. Heat works ok, reservoir levels are fine... but it's still smoking and wet.

 

Thats the next thing I was gonna suggest...

 

A stream of coolant might be angled toward adjacent parts and not showing itself. It seems to be wettest near the radiator below the cap and the "bushing" that wht02monte mentioned. Under that "bushing" is the edge of the radiator where the plastic "tank" is attached to the aluminum core. This is often where the leak is. Coolant could be hitting the fan blades or air blown by them and thrown into the engine compartment. If you can't see the leak you could get the cooling system pressure tested. This way the leak can be detected without the engine running and the leak can be listened for and the fan won't be throwing coolant everywhere.

 

Once you have this solved. Or to see about some new leaks you can take this to the Car Wash and use the Light soap on the engine bay and then a clean rinse. Avoid all the electrical stuff. There is also a clear spray sealer you can use on the electrical connections to protect them, I forget the name brand but most auto parts stores would know what to use.

 

also, check the overflow hose to your radiator cap,neck, could have a pinhole or split in it and when hot could leak and spew??

 

Well it's the water pump, took it in for diagnosis today. They want to charge 569 to have the water pump replaced and a coolant flush (Canadian dollars) --- does that sound reasonable?

 

Reasonable if you aren't comfortable doing the work yourself. It is one of the cheaper jobs to do on your own, but not if you don't have the comfort level.


I like to reach through the wheel well also while working on these parts, worth it to get the car in the air, remove the tire and remove the inner fender for room.

 

I was just looking at that and I am on the fence. I've done a few minor repairs on vehicles like replacing thermostats and such by watching videos... I'm just not sure I'm comfortable. I can barely afford this though so that might be some motivation to do it myself, but still... I'm not even sure I have the proper tools laying around and all that stuff. Ahhhh!!! A dilemma

 

Its actually really easy.. Im pretty sure all you need is a basic standard and metric socket set..

Even to loosen the belt tensioner all you need is a 15mm socket..

Also its recommended to get the upgraded water pump..