Antifreeze Waterfall...

[Silver Bullet]

I had something really weird happen after I made it to work with my 93' ATX tonight. The car ran perfect all the way, and the temp was fine... I got out of the car and heard this sound like water running out of a drain onto the pavement. I looked at the front of the car, and witnessed lots of antifreeze running down the passenger side front panel on the inside!! I opened the hood and my coolant reservoir was overflowing big time!! It lost a considerable amount of fluid, and I don't understand what would cause this to occur?? No high temp, No engine lights, Car seemed to be fine... It wasn't bubbling over "Like it was extremely hot" either. I had that happen before, and replaced the coolant temperature sensor. Am I in for an unpleasant surprise soon, or was that just a fluke?? Has anyone ever had that happen, or know what could be the reason for the overflow??

<small>[ February 14, 2003, 09:51 PM: Message edited by: Silver Bullet ]</small>

 

[cRaZySHO.]

I'm not too positive, but that could be a clogged hose, or possibly a stuck T-stat. It sounds like the coolant was trying to flow, got stopped in it's path somewhere, and found the only open way out it could find.

 

[projectSHO89]

Replace your radiator cap.

Steve

 

[Bank of SHO]

This has happened to me too often over the past several years beginning right after my 60k service. Most occurences happened on hot summer days. Often I would park and then come back a short while later to find the same pool of coolant. The radiator was always full, but the low coolant light would light because the overflow would drain. The radiator cap has been changed numerous times to no avail.

I believe this problem is related to another I have. On hot days with the a/c on, my temp gauge climbs to the red zone. I end up having to turn on the heater to cool it down. This is never a problem on low 90 degree or cooler days. In fact my temp rarely reaches beyand mid range on the guage otherwise.

Memebers on this forum have suggested that my ECT sensor, radiator(obstructed), or fan is bad. As the problem only occurs when the temps reach about 95 degrees or so AND I have the a/c on, I plan to replace the ECT sensor and the thermostat in the very near future. They are probably due to be changed anyway. I will report my results this spring/summer. Any other advice will be appreciated.

Good luck to you.

Tom