another coolant leak question...

[SSsho]

Hey guys,
did a cursory search and was overwhelmed with the amount of material, eg. 500 posts. I have been lazy and have been running hot and have not checked into it. The car has been running in the upper reaches of the guage an upon shutting the engine down will frequently reach the dreaded red mark or past...
A friend recently stated the car smells like coolant when cooling down. The fans work but don't seen to bring the temperature down into an acceptable range.
But here is key point. Today while checking tire pressure at a local gas station, w/motor running. Coolant poured out from the subframe crossmember area, (right behind the oil filter.) It seemed to have an oil sheen to it. Have I paid for lax maintance by something more serious, maybe headgasket etc.?
P.S. the water pump has been replaced as well as the thermostat.

 

[SSsho]

Another thing, might help, the coolant level in the resovoir stays steady for long periods, though it does drop...

 

[PROPHET]

I was going to say check thermastat as it sounds like it's stuck on closed.

But you say it's been replaced.

 

[etc1006]

Sounds like the classic end tank leak running along the core support and subframe and picking up the oil/dirt (the sheen). Or check your upper hose connection to t'stat housing. I have to tighten mine once in awhile cause of those damn staples used to hold hose clamps on the hose before you by them! Take off the cover above the rad and look around good with a flashlight right after the cars comes up to temp. USe an inspection mirror on the T'stat housing. You'll probably find it.