govertime

My coolant level has been dropping lately.

I've been unable to find puddles where I park, so I don't have a blatantly obvious leak. Are there certain points where I should look while the engine is running to check for a leak? Like certain points more likely to leak? How would I go about checking other than putting down a piece of cardboard underneath the car while idled/parked?

My instincts tell me its the seals in the thermostat housing (68, 74 in the 1st schematic below) but my car's had a few front-end collisions so I feel like it could be anything.

Thanks!!!

mleskovar

If you have an automatic transmission it could be leaking into the trans cooler then into the trans. Have your transmission fluid checked for glycol contamination. If you catch it early enough you may be able to save the trans.

govertime

Fortunately, I have a manual trans. M271 engine.

mleskovar

Good! Look on the bottom engine cover, it catches escaped oil and coolant.

SeaCoupe

Check all of the hoses, and the hose connections. On the hoses you are looking for any abrasions. Under pressure an abrasion can have a slow leak. At the hose connection look for whitish coatings that can indicate a coolant leak.