'03 ZX3 leaving a little water puddle

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Flatline - 06 Dec 2004 19:57 GMT

I just bought a barely used '03 ZX3. It has a mix of options--no pwr locks
or windows, but fog lights, 6cd changer, cruise, ABS I think. Anyway, I
love it.

But, I notice that now that cold weather has set in--35-40 farenheit
nights--that it leaves a little puddle of water on the drive beneath the
engine when I start it. Not oil, not fluid, just some water with coolant.
Also a few drips from the exhaust pipe after starting. Didn't do it in warm
weather. Doesn't leave any water after driving and parking. The puddle was
smaller today than yesterday.

I've got lots left on the warranty, only 8,000 miles on car.
Runs super, so don't suspect any moisture in gas. Should I see a dealer, or
is this just some condensation, overfilling of radiator fluid, or something.
thanks, Flatline

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Dave Gower - 07 Dec 2004 01:03 GMT

> But, I notice that now that cold weather has set in--35-40 farenheit
> nights--that it leaves a little puddle of water on the drive beneath the
> engine when I start it. Not oil, not fluid, just some water with coolant.

This is definitely not normal. It's the "coolant" word here that bothers me.
I'd suspect a problem with the cooling system - possibly the overflow or
reservoir. Almost certainly easy and cheap to fix, but I'd get it looked at
by a good cooling system shop or dealer ASAP. Cooling system problems can be
expensive if ignored.

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Alan - 07 Dec 2004 18:32 GMT

>> But, I notice that now that cold weather has set in--35-40 farenheit
>> nights--that it leaves a little puddle of water on the drive beneath the
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>by a good cooling system shop or dealer ASAP. Cooling system problems can be
>expensive if ignored.

Perhaps it's condensation from the Air Con unit. If fitted, the A/C is
automatically switched on when the blower is directed at the windscreen.
The puddle of water may be 'normal'.

Signature

Alan
mailto:news2me_a_2003@amacleod.clara.co.uk

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Dave Gower - 07 Dec 2004 19:34 GMT

> Perhaps it's condensation from the Air Con unit. If fitted, the A/C is
> automatically switched on when the blower is directed at the windscreen.
> The puddle of water may be 'normal'.

Except that he said it contained coolant, which is very much not normal. In
my experience, the A/C does not in fact function at such low temperatures.

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ronrut@hotmail.com - 08 Dec 2004 15:41 GMT

Carefully check the thermostat housing. It is made of plastic, and will
crack. Mine did at 70,000 miles. Would leak just enough to have to add
water to the reservoir about every two days. Puddle size would vary from a
few inches to two feet in diameter. When cold, I could squeeze the inlet
hose and water would seep out the housing.

Ron

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