My daughter was home for thanksgiving and I noticed her accord left a small pool of coolant (maybe 1/8 cup) on the garage floor on the driver's side. This car never leaks anything. I looked at it but couldn't find the source. All the hoses are on the other (passenger) side, and the bottom of the radiator appeared dry. There is a splash pan covering the bottom of the engine, so I couldn’t see much looking up. I fear water pump or gasket problem. The car has 161K on the clock and runs fine. Any advice on where to look or how to proceed? Thanks.

 

I would drop the engine splash shield and get a better look from underneath. A lot of times that plastic shield can hold fluid and confuse people about the origins of leaks. Clean the engine bay and then let it dry. Then run the car while you are under it and see if you can trace the origin of the leak. I hope it isn't from the water pump.

 

If you spot nothing leaking with the engine running, but spot a puddle in the am, after a night of sitting, you most likely have a leaking water pump.
A water pump leak works just the opposite of what you'd think. The pump is equipped with a lip seal on the shaft, with the seal oriented such that internal system pressure actually seals it tighter against the shaft. As this wears over time, the danger exists that this seal will leak once pressure is relieved. There is usually a green trace left in the vicinity of the pump from the leaking coolant.
Getting a look will be worth your time.

Oh, and the Pump Location? Left side, directly even with the L/S front wheel - about a foot in.

P

 

When i hit 140K my rad sprung a leak. Check the rad for cracks, they usually need to be changed around 100k miles.

 

I didn't see any liquild on the shield, so I don't think coolant is running along it. It wouldn't hurt to pull it thought.

What P. Adams described is what I think the problem is. She has the car at school about 150 miles away. It isn't loosing much anti freeze right now. Since is only seems to leak when the car is off, can I have her keep an eye on the level and arrange to get it into the shop when she is home for christmas, or is this something more urgent? She drives the car very little at school.

I guess I should have the timing belt done at the same time as the pump. It was last done at 90K and the car has a little over 160K on it now. What would be a reasonable price for this?

The car is in fairly good shape, with a little rust around the back doors/wheel wells and where the bumper clips are mounted. I'd like to keep it going for another 2-3 years while she is in school, but not put too much $$$ into it.

 

I would suggest getting several quotes from local shops as to the price.
I've seen pricing vary as much as $250 +-, depending on dealer / independent garages. I'd suggest finding an independent in your local area which not only specializes in Honda / Acura but has been in business for a while.
Most of these shops are owned / operated by former Honda Techs and such.
When you ask around, you'll know when you've hit on a former Honda tech cuz they won't recommend short cuts.

I would normally recommend:
Belt (Timing)
Belt (Balancer Shaft)
Seals (Cam, Crank and Balancer Shaft)
Tensioner (T'belt)
Belt Guides
Water Pump

Of course most shops will work with a customer on a budget, but they would be remis if they didn't spell it out.
Get your estimate in writing, and be a good consumer.

P