Happy to be part of this site. My first post here. I bought a 2000 neon in June with 21000 kms, that's right, 21000kms. My aunt had it and I always told her to keep for me. Anyway, 4500 kms later I spotted coolant on the snow (don't laugh). Seems it's coming from the exhaust pipe near an expansion joint under the car (not near the back of the engine. I looked at the exhaust manifold area and can't see any sign of coolant. I even ran my hand under the expansion joint at the manifold, no sign of coolant.

I checked the strength of the coolant and it's good to -37c so I doubt the block is cracked (I live up north but not that far, 46th parallel). Is this the sign of a blown head gasket, I hear they're famous for this? Only 25000 kms, seems low mileage for a blown head gasket? Thanks anybody for some insight, it will be heading to my favorite mechanic this week. SM

 

check the heater lines. on the tranny side.

 

I will, dark right now. You know what, I used to a own a vehicle once and whenever I put the defroster on, the inside of the windshield would get fogged up and I could smell coolant. Ended up my heater coil had a leak. Now that you mention heater lines, my windshield has been fogging up lately on the neon but I can't smell the coolant this time. So what are you suggesting on the heater lines, a leak I suspect? I'm going out right now with a flashlight to look. Will report back.

 

so your saying your car dosent have a coolent smell, does it smoke.

 

Checked the heater hoses, no evidence of coolant. Do you mean smoke from the tail pipe or under the hood. Either way, there is no smoke. With all due respect, if there was a leak on the heater hoses, why would it be leaking at the expansion joint on the exhaust. The hoses are not close to it. There is slight coolant smell under the hood but I took of the rad cap this PM to check the strength of the coolant, little bit spilt over. Maybe coming from that.

 

i was thinking it may overspray. the only other thing i can think of is a head leak.

 

That's what I was afraid of. How much does this generally cost, ballpark figure?

 

if you get it from a junk yard about $35. but have you had it warmed up since you saw the leak and how big was the pool.

 

Are we talking about changing the head or just the head gasket? No puddle, only drips

 

that depends on the leak if its from your coolent rail than the head if the head gaskets torn than just that.