trweiss..i never had that light go on the key was in the second position...im not driving it now.

 

ok 1 tip, i had this problem when i had my fd leak.

first off, u need 1 more person to help u out.

TOP UP UR COOLANT TO MAX. than u take ur car for a spin, let it warm up. and yes, plz boost it alittle. go to a safe spot, and open ur hood. next step on the peddle, and floor it softly, while ur pal looks at the popped hood. u should be able to see the leak gush out. im suspecting the reservoir, coz that's what happened to me.

had a leak in the reservoir. reservoir costs only 120 from the dealer, and its easy as hell to swap. its just 2 small hoses or something like that.

=) hope u can try troubleshooting it the practical way =O

 

thanks ill check that out

 

Easiest thing you can do is go to your local auto parts store, buy a spill-free funnel, it will attach to the thermostat housing. Put some coolant/water in it, then start the car and watch for tiny bubbles. If it has a constant stream of bubbles then the coolant seals are shot and the engine needs to be rebuilt. The funnel costs about $20, and is a great tool to have in your garage. This will rule out the engine being the problem. See pic.

 

Ok cool. Just wanted to make sure you weren't driving it around.

 

hey i have an idea!

stop driving the car!!!!! you know it has a problem and your going to cook it

go get a pressure tester hook it up to you fill neck and test the pressure over the course of a few hours....if you dont see any leaks and pressure drops then its probably your seals

you can also add UV-sensative dye to the water...then you use a flashlight in the dark

 

^ I thought he said he wasn't driving it though.

 

lol he prolly just read ur message..i guess im gonna buy that funnel that the easiest way to see if my seals are shot thanks!!

 

Good luck man, keep us posted!

 

do i need to warm up the car before i do this/and for how long if so? or start it cold and rev?

 

Install it cold, top off the system until there is coolantwater remaining in the funnel. Then start the car, if it draws the coolant in then pour more in the funnel. Initially there will be a stream of bubbles as the system clears any remaining air out. Continue to idle the car and watch the fluid in the funnel. Do not ever remove the cap hot, coolant will explode everywhere.

 

lol now u tell me not to take it off while hot...ouch..lol just kiddin never wud do that....but when u say initially there shud be a stream of bubbles that will mean that the coolant seals are bad rght?

 

how much would the job for the coolant seals cost? parts+labor?
the weird thing i that this engine only has about 20-30k miles