92 Accord leaking coolant, but reserve tank full

strange thing is that the reserve tank is full even though I saw at
least half a litre leak from under the engine bay kinda on the right
side.

Saw some spattering around near the thermostat housing near the engine
block, but was too dark to locate the exact leak. I basically, filled
the radiator top with about 2 litres of distilled water, and drove it
about 10km home without the temperature gauge going above normal
operating levels.

So what could be happening here? Reserve tank is still full, so it
must be leaking from the engine block?

If anyone's seen this before, please let me know. GEeeez, I wonder
what I'm gonna be in for....

Thanks in advance,
Kev

NB I've also notice a burning smell when I'm in the car and the car's
been stopped a while at the lights, same smell as really hot brake
pads, I wonder if it could be something else under the bonnet.

Also, the ground connection from the -ve terminal of my battery has
been eaten away by the battery corrosion... how bad is it to drive
without a ground to the body of the car?

 

well, if the reserve tank's hose is plugged, that could do it. but if your
temp gauge was going above normal, with only 2 litres of water, then it
sounds like there might be real problem, perhaps the water pump? perhaps
there is a blockage in one of the lines, or a large air bubble.
You should try and locate the exact source of the leak and do a full flush
refill, making sure to check the hoses and radiator for any signs of
buildup, damage, wear, etc.

 

What do you mean by the reservoir is full? Is it filled up to the full
mark, or is it filled up to the cap?

No ground cable = no power = taking the bus.

 

My guess was going to be water pump if it isn't obviously coming from
the radiator or a hose. If it is the pump, it is about to totally
self destruct and it will take the timing belt with it. This isn't
something to ignore. If your mechanic is a mile away, you might risk
driving to him. Otherwise a tow is probably a good investment. The
mechanic will install a new timing belt at the same time. Make sure
he uses genuine Honda belt and pump. If the original belt was
replaced on schedule and the pump was not replaced at the same time,
or replaced with an aftermarket part, this is your penalty. Using
non-Honda coolant (especially Prestone) may have contributed to the
failure.

If you are interested in doing this yourself, you should be aware that
this (timing belt) is the hardest maintenance job on your car. Not
recommended unless you are pretty experienced in auto repair.

 

You mean right side looking from the back of the car forwards? That's
where all the hoses are so it may be just a leaking hose. If it's the
other side that's where the water pump is and a leak there is going to cost
more $$.

Also check for the leak at the ends of the cross-pipe which goes from the
thermostat housing across the back of the engine to the water pump housing
- kinda unusual but not impossible.

There must be *some* ground contact or nothing electrical would work...
including the ignition. You need a new battery - leaking and corrosion
like that is not normal - and a new connector... or cable depending on how
bad the corrosion is.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Correct, I think you're right that it could be coming from somewhere
near the thermostat housing, taking it to the dealer this Fri.

there's a ground from the engine block heading right into the -ve
terminal on the battery and it's come disconnected, unless I'm wrong,
and that it's supposed to be for the secondary intake valve thingy
next to the battery....

THANKS EVERYONE for all your help.

Kev

 

Auxiliary block ground.

Honda put it there for a reason, you know.
Fix it yourself. It's just a piece of wire...