Do I have a leak or something worse?

Question

My car was smoking the other day. I checked the the over flow tank and it was empty, so I added some water and it leaked right out of the bottom. Is this just a leak or something else, if it is a leak can I fix it? It is a 1997 Mitsubishi mirage

Answer 1

Depends upon where the leak is. If it's a lower hose, there's no problem. Simply go to the parts store and purchase a replacement hose and install it yourself. Parts should be around twenty dollars (including a pair of hose clamps).

If it's only the overflow tank, that, too, can be purchased and replaced by a competent "shade-tree" mechanic. Parts will possibly be around fifty dollars for this repair.

It may also be a water pump leak, which is also (maybe) do- able by yourself. You'll need an assortment of hand tools (metric) and of course a new pump and gaskets and lots of time. I don't recommend you try it, however, as if you don't get it right, you'll cook the engine. The parts for this may cost nearly a hundred dollars.

If it is the lower tank, then you're looking at around four hundred dollars to replace the radiator, which is NOT a recommended do-it-yourself project. Good luck!

Answer 2

Not sure where it leaked from. But that doesn't matter, you need to get it fixed before you drive it or you could ruin the engine by overheating it. Possibly the overflow tank has a hose that has either became disconnected or has a hole in it. Whatever it is , get it fixed. good luck.

Answer 3

did you take the radiator cap off the water probably just flowed into the radiator your question isnt giving enough info did the water go on the ground after puttin it into the coolant reservoir or what

Answer 4

take the time to look at the tank, you'll see of its the tank leaking or not, we can't see it from here.

Answer 5

not sure,take it to a macanic.