1991 Mazda Protege Logo
Larry M Landes Posted on Aug 18, 2012
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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When I pour coolant into my 1991 Mazda Proteges radiator, it starts to fill then I see it leaking out of the front of motor. What could be the issue?

I am a new driver and my car overheated. I turned it off immediately after I saw the smoke coming out from under the hood. I checked radiator after it cooled down and saw no coolant , so I tried to fill it. As I am filling it. I saw the coolant dripping out in front of the motor. Please help me with this someone.

1 Answer

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  • Mazda Master 1,152 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 18, 2012
ARESTI
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Joined: Aug 09, 2012
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The leak you have my friend is either the Water Pump, any burst water hose (s) or any core plug (s). You need a qualified mechanic assistance.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1498 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 05, 2008

SOURCE: white smoke at startup

Hi michelle,

Smoke signals:

  • White smoke = water vapor
  • Blue smoke = Oil
  • Black smoke = unburnt fuel
If it's only white smoke and it's only on start up (when its cool) its most likely condensation burning off from inside the exhaust pipes, manifold, muffler, etc. If water was in the cylinder(s), on the spark plugs there would be no smoke, exhaust or a running engine.

If oil was leaking into one or more cylinders the smoke would be blue.


There are things you can check for:
  • Is there any loss of power? Does it start and drive normally with no odd sounds or symptoms?
  • Check your coolant level daily (do it safely, never when hot, OK?). Is it dropping?
  • When you check the coolant, do you see any oil mixed in (floating on top)
  • Check your oil level. Is it dropping?
If you answered no to all of these, whats the problem?

As far as your friendly mechanic is concerned:
  • Has a compression test been performed? on each cylinder? What were the results? Get it in writing.
  • Better yet, take it to someone, anyone else for a second opinion. If you have a friend that tinkers with cars, have them perform the same test. see if they match.
  • If you need to bring it to another shop, don't tell them something is wrong. (I'm sure you understand why)
  • A good story is: you can no longer afford it, you are putting it up for sale and to avoid any complications you want to document the engine was recently checked out (specify you want a compression test to be performed as part of this). Since you are trying to get rid of the car, it's less likely a different 'Problem' will appear ;-), Get it? We want straight answers. See what they come up with.
I don't like to speak ill of someone I've never met, but from what you've posted, something smells fishy. You don't replace an engine because of a known blown head gasket. I'm not convinced yet that this is your problem. If it was, I'd be replacing the head gasket, not the engine.

It's unlikely anyone trying to sell you a $7,000.00 engine based on what you've described is looking out for interests other than their own.

Ask around, friends of friends, find someone trustyworthy. Get a second opinion, a third. It's a LOT cheaper than a new (yeah right) engine. Sorry about the sarcasm, but how would you know that it was new?

Please reply to me with a full list of symptoms, the results of your tests and any other details on whatever you may consider pertinent. This will help me help you.

But my most immediate advice is:
  1. Don't buy this engine
  2. If your car is in their shop, get it out, ASAP.
  3. Get a second impartial opinion.
These may be reputable mechanics, but every warning light in my head is screaming RIP OFF!! Don't let it happen!

I sincerely hope this helps you out.

Mike

Remember: Good things come to those who Rate!!

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Apr 24, 2009

SOURCE: Overheating '99 Mazda 626 LX 6-cyl

This happened twice to me.Just replace coolant overflow container,buy new one not used .Always keep an eye on container , will happen again.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 01, 2009

SOURCE: oil leak front left of eng compartment under lights. no oil eng.

If this is the intercooler there is a recall on it. I took mine in, but there is an eight week waiting perid for the part.
Hope this helps

Anonymous

  • 270 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 22, 2009

SOURCE: overheating. stop the car checked coolant, which

Sounds like you have a blown head gasket.

Testimonial: "that's we thought and hoped it would be and not a cracked head."

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Mar 10, 2010

SOURCE: mazda mpv 2002 coolant leaking somewhere. Filled

it also happen to me on a mazda mpv 2000 for years i was adding anitifreeze i found out that the water pump was leaking just do it yourself easy change just pay $60 dollars for it. underneath the car theres a plastic shield the antifreeze will drip and stay there thats why you didn't noticed the leak.

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