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Low coolant after timing belt/water pump replacement?

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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 10:23 AM
  #1  
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Default Low coolant after timing belt/water pump replacement?

Just got done with my timing belt and water pump yesterday, now I have low coolant. The warning light doesn't come on the dash, but it's below the "low" level when warm by about an inch, and by a few inches when cold. Is this just the system bleeding?
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 12:01 PM
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Did you add enough to begin with?
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 12:04 PM
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There could have been an air pocket that got filled with some driving.
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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I'm pretty sure I put enough in. I topped off today and it looks like it maybe went down a little again but I'm not sure, guess I'll see in the morning. I really hope I don't have to take the whole front end apart again.
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 05:37 PM
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Have you noticed any marks on the ground beneath the car?
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by lm0812
Have you noticed any marks on the ground beneath the car?
None that I can see so far
 
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 08:03 PM
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Did you replace the cap and tank as well?

It takes a few drives to get all the air out, but check the tank and cap as well.
 
Old Nov 23, 2010 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Tweaked
Did you replace the cap and tank as well?

It takes a few drives to get all the air out, but check the tank and cap as well.
I didn't replace those, but the tank isn't leaking or anything. I'm really confused since there's no spots on the grounds from a leak.
 
Old Nov 23, 2010 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by sa9023
I didn't replace those, but the tank isn't leaking or anything. I'm really confused since there's no spots on the grounds from a leak.
First step is to pressure test the system and the cap. No sense in chasing your tail when there is an easy way to catch it.

Second, check below and around your tank. White or pink spots indicate a leak.

Third, check around your oil filter. The two coolant lines around the cooler tend to build up a film of white and pink bubble gum. It's an indication of a leak at this spot.

Last, check the radiator end tanks. They tend to leak on the driver's side (where the hoses are located) due to being pried on during removal or installation. You'll usually spot a trail of pink or white going down towards the pan.
 
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