I have a stock b16 00 Si. 160k miles. I just recently had the timing belt and water pump replaced. Engine is in good condition.

I was driving home from work and I had a coworker behind me. He said my car had a strong smell of overheating to it. He said he only smelled this odor when he was behind me.

My temp gauge does not show that I am running hot. I haven't noticed any water/antifreeze drops or puddles under my car. I haven't seen any smoke coming out from under my hood.

Any ideas? The coworker said it could be my recently replaced water pump. Is he correct? If so, how could I diagnose to determine if the water pump is faulty?

Thanks

 

wait until you actually see it overheating

 

"smells" like overheating? Overheating doesn't smell. Ask him exactly what the smell was.

 

I've never heard of that troubleshooting technique. "Smell of overheating."
If he was talking about the smell of anti-freeze when it's burning off of an engine after spillage then that's another thing. If the gauge is working and reads correctly then don't sweat it.

 

Yes smells like antifreeze. I came home and looked in the overflow bottle. The coolant is low but it is also a green color.

 

You can always drive the car till guage shows your at temp and temp the engine with a digital laser thermometer. Should be in the 190's F.

 

Pressure test the cooling system.