carmcanc

I have a 98 GS400 and came home from work (40 mile ride), so the car was hot and I parked in my driveway. I was going back out and after leaving my driveway last night I got 2 blocks away and realized I forgot somthing so returned home. When I pulled into my driveway I noticed two large spots of coolant in my drive, one where the radiator whould be when parked and one where entrance of the drive is. I figured out that the reason for the multiple spots is that the coolant must have pooled in the cover that goes under the engine and some poured on the ground when it was parked through the hole in the cover and when I backed out, some came through the cover as I left.

I opened the hood and started the car to try and find the leak but I didn't see any more coming out. I did notice that the coolant overflow tank was pretty much empty. I covered the radiator cap and slowly opened it and it was full and flowing around very good so I guess the thermostat must be ok.
I put a little water in the overflow to see if it might have had a hole in it and thats where it leaked from but I didn't see any more leaks. The temp guage also never went above where it normally sits, right above halfway.

I just had the 90k mile service done (actually the second one, I have 180k) at Lexus about 1000 miles ago and the waterpump was replaced at that time. Is it possible that it all came out from the overflow tank? Any idea of what I should check or what the cause might have been? Would a pressure test be the way to go?

Thanks in advance,
Carmen

Bill_GS3

It is possible your overflow bottle is empty because of the pump being replaced. I have seen air trapped in the system worked through and deplete the over flow to almost empty if enough was not put in to start with.

The leak, I would call Lexus and they should check it out for you.

Chenzo26

Well, if you found a leak in the overflow container, and you don't see any change in the coolant level in the radiator, I think you probably correctly diagnosed your problem - just get a new overflow container. I would suggest that you closely monitor the situation. You want to be ABSOLUTELY sure that you don't have a true leak, otherwise the damage from an overheated engine can be quite costly.

carmcanc

Chenzo26,
I never found a leak in the overflow tank, I put some water in but it stayed in.

Carmen

Chenzo26

Oh, sorry, I reread your post, I read it wrong before. In that case, definitely get someone to check it out. GL with this - I hope its only a hose of some sort.

slickgt1

iTrader: (1)

Also sounds like air. Car was off, heat pushed it out.

Hectorm

Seems you got a leaking problem in the begining. Coolant leaks is sometimes difficult to find. It could be a small hose pin hole or the water pump or the radiadiator top cover or the cap.
Better way to diag. is to find a mechanic..
My opinion is that take the chance to replace all small cooling hose.

lexluger71

be lucky is not the heater core/ i just replaced mine at the dealer $1,300 for that job at lexus. i still smell it , but it must be from my carpet.