2002 Sebring Ix 2.7l Sedan

18 months ago mechanic shop replaced:

Water pump

Timing chain

Thermostat

Radiator

Heads redone

And now I'm having a leak problem I put a quart of coolant in weekly and seems it's getting worse. Is it possible it's a gasket or hose problem. Or is it the water pump again. It's hard to accept it being the water pump seeing as how it's only 18 months old with 40k miles all highway miles. Anyway any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I had same problem last summer due to Expansion Tank Cap not able to hold pressure.
Replaced cap and overheating and loss of coolant stopped.

2002 2.7L Sebring Convertible

 

Suggest pressure testing the cooling system. Loaner kits are typically available at auto parts stores. If the system does not hold pressure, the source of the leak may be visible.

The weep hole for the water pump is under the thermostat housing. A bit of a pain to view though. Check for signs of coolant. This would indicate the water pump is the issue. This link discusses the thermostat housing and weep hole

https://www.allpar.com/threads/2004-...t-leak.239494/

Another known weak point is the coolant bleeder housing, top passenger side of engine (two hose connections, bleeder nipple, coolant temp sensor). The housing is known to split at the seam. Look for signs of coolant at the seam, wetness or dried coolant.

 

I noticed this morning the coolant I put into the reservoir leaks out at that location in the pic. Nothing more just that amount.

 

So I just jacked the car up and I can see the weep hole and the leaking is actually coming from the bolt on the housing next to the weep hole. Maybe the ring is bad? I’m going to change the housing and ring and thermostat out soon. Go from there. If it’s the hoses maybe I should change them as well to be safe. Eliminate all possibilities first. Then see if it clears up.

 

Does running the car count as a pressure test? Only leaks when it’s running. Leak is coming from the thermostat housing. I could see the weep hole and it didn’t look like it was leaking. The bolt next to it was running fluids though.

 

Main reason for suggesting the static pressure test is being able to poke around and not be concerned about moving belts and hot hoses.

Note the brass inserts in the housing. The gasket does the sealing so no amount of over-tightening will seal a leak.

Suggest also replacing the gasket along with the thermostat housing. Get a quality replacement for both, suggest 'rockauto.com'. Be wary of amazon auto parts as there are quite a few counterfeits on there. Ebay not as bad but caution is recommended. Parts can be purchased locally at an auto parts store but rockauto is cheaper even with shipping costs.

 

i have the housing kit ordered arrives in the morning not sure it that comes with a gasket as well I hope so though

 

It ended up being the water pump. It’s 18 months old and already went out.

 

And the bearings went out. This in total cost me $17,400+