If we know for sure that the oil pan gasket needs replaced due to oil leaking (job being done today) is it possible that is what is causing the coolant to run low every few days?

 

The coolant thermostat housing flange (located between the engine and radiator) is a likely place to leak.
Lately I have been seeing it more and more.

The part is plastic and the seal leaks coolant when it deteriorates.

Could be other leaks in other places but a pressure test should find it.

bob gauff

 

Jaggirl, the oil leaking and a coolant leak are for the most part two separate issues (only time it is not is a head gasket and that is bigger issues if you are dealing with that). So, I would first start with seeing if you can spot where the coolant is dripping down to the ground at. If the coolant is coming from just in front of the driver, then odds are your overflow bottle has a cracked nipple. If it is coming from the center of the car (under the radio), then odds are your cooling coil has developed a leak. if you are getting coolant just inside of the front tire (possibly just in front of the tire), then you are looking at a bad water pump. If it is coming from anywhere just behind the bumper, then you have a radiator leak.

If you are not seeing the coolant touch the ground, open the hood of the car and look behind the battery box (you will be looking at the top of the transmission). If you see coolant there, odds are, you are looking at a bad water pump.

Along the same lines, if you look just in front of where the driver sits in the engine bay, you will see the overflow bottle. If you look up against the steel wall, you will see where a coolant line comes into the tank. Look just to the right of where the black hose ends and see if you can see the plastic go from an opaque white to a much more definitive white (normally looks like a crack in the plastic). If you have this, your nipple to the overflow bottle has been damaged and you need a new overflow bottle.

If you need more assistance, let us know.