So about a month ago my car started overheating. I noticed that it was leaking coolant. I refilled it a few times and it would need to be refilled about every 5-7 days. I ended up replacing the radiator and thermostat, as well as both radiator hoses. Car is still leaking coolant and overheating at idle. Once I'm driving it's fine but thats when I know I need to add more coolant. I looked under the car and it seems to be leaking from somewhere near where the water pump is. Does anyone have any clue if it could be the water pump or if it could be something else. I dont want to spend more money replacing parts until im sure what it is.

 

When cold get a cooling system tester (pump) and pump to @ 18psi and watch for leak.
AutoZone carries them as a loaner tool.
If it's in the water pump area, chances are it's the water pump.
When was it replaced last, if ever, when timing belt done?

 

FWIW: Not much else, in that area, that would cause a water leak. Best way to verify, is Turbonut's recommendation, to pressure test the system.

 

Turn the Ac on and check both fans.

 

Both fans are functional and run fine. They do run after cat is shit off sonetimes but that is due to the engine running so hot I believe. I tested the line and it's definitley coming from the water pump area. I'm not sure when if ever it or the toning belt was replaced. I bought the cat about a year ago and it had around 95k miles on it. It's currently at 112k. I'm going to replace the water pump and timing belt. How hard of a job is it? I'm no mechanic but I have always done most repairs myself excluding any major engine or transmission work. The car is having another issue as well but I don't have a clue what the cause of that could be. If it runs straight for 60-90 mins it will start to slip badly into first when accelerating from a stop. If I don't ease the gas until it catchesit will jerk hard. It only happens after long drives. Very strange

 

If it is leaking water then air is getting into the system. And if the water gets too low, I have seen those temperature gauges move around randomly, because of air pockets in the system. I remember my old camaro's cooling system. If that camaro didn't have all the air bled out of the system, it would run hotter. Like a lot hotter. It was super sensitive... like barely keeping the engine running at the right temp even when it was functioning normal! I considered that "running by a string".. if that makes sense.

Anyway! fix the leak and I bet it will solved your problem. I paid someone to do my timing belt and water pump. So I don't know how hard it is. Speaking of timing belts, I heard Honda started using timing chains in the newer CIVIC! Can you imagine that? I always wondered why they used Belts in these cars rather than Chains.. A belt is cheaper to produce! haha

Hey just for grins, you should check your oil dipstick for milky substance, just to make sure no water is getting in the oil..

 

FWIW: If, as you say, you have performed MAJOR, engine and transmission repairs, the timing belt/water pump, should be a piece of cake. Just for reference though, you may want to review the DIY section, just to insure you have the tools and equipment, necessary to do the job.

 

 

Check your heater control valve, mines actually broke leaking coolant and making the car overheat.