Yet Another Problem to add to my ongoing list

[pgrindstaff]

This past weekend I changed my oil and as I was filling noticed what looks to be coolant spray on the upper radiator hose. Knowing there was some problem but threatened by a thunderstorm, I cleaned up the mess and decided I would take a look later.

Well, I finally remembered to look today after work and found even more coolant on the radiator hose and an even larger quantity sprayed on the side of the air filter box (technical term but accurate). I cannot see where the coolant is comming from but my best guess is the water pump, possibly a gasket that has failed.

What I find strange is that I had a low coolant message last week after just replacing the expansion tank and coolant just two or three weeks ago and have had one previous to this last one. I topped off with water both times and have not had another message since the last.

Here are some pictures to help give you an idea of the spray pattern and hopefully they will help pinpoint my problem. Click the small images for a larger copy.

[markus]

get the car nice and hot after a drive then park it and watch for leaks.

[pgrindstaff]

I haven't noticed any spots on the driveway lately, though I suppose the drip pan could be the cause of that. No drips today after a 42 mile drive from work. The temp gauge stayed steady at about one needle width past half, which is normal. I'll keep looking for drips and remove the drip pan if need be.