MY COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS A MAJOR CRACK IN THE BOTTOM SO YESTERDAY I ORDERED A NEW RESERVOIR...NO PROBLEM. MENDED THE OLD ONE WITH PLASTIC EPOXY AND IT DIDN'T LEAK...thought I was good to go until the part could get here...drove to work this morning (less than two miles) and it was billowing smoke. I poured more water in the reservoir and discovered it is LEAKING on the very bottom in front of the radiator...like a gasket is shot, it's a metal part...liquid is coming out from in between the two pieces of metal- the pictures I took are not good...If anyone knows what this is. It is at the very bottom of the car. I doubt you can see what's going on with these horrible photos...I'm at work and I was trying to hurry! I may have to have a MECHANIC for this one!!! UGH!

 

The pictures don't give a lot of information and I am sure with the steam, smoke from water hitting hot engine and the bad reservoir that it looks worse than it probably is.
The first thing you need to do is replace the tank and fill the system. The it needs to be pressure tested while cold. Since water appear to be spraying from the engine to the lower hose it is most likely a bad water pump, a leaking thermostat tower or a broken hose.
Stores like autozone can loan the tools to pressure test or you can have a radiator shop do the testing. The pressure test will show where it leaking from and with the engine cold you should be able to pin point the source of the leak.

 

I agree with AVERN1, the items he listed seem to be in the middle of the engine. Pressure testing the system is a sure-fire why to safely diagnose the issue at hand and get you in the right direction. That being said, if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, you can change the water pump, crossover tube and/or thermostat & housing.

Jose

 

I will do that right away! Thank you...

 

Let us know what you find. You got me curious now....

Jose

 

It's the Thermostat Housing!!! I do believe I JUST replaced that last month...I'm at work but will find out more at five! I'm relieved...it's not MAJOR MJOR!!! But I don't understand why it would go bad AGAIN!!!

 

Hmm, if that part is plastic...it may have cracked upon installation? Hopefully, it's under warranty and spending a little bit of time will get you back on the road!

Jose

 

If plastic it might be the time to consider the alloy alternative.

 

There isn't one for the 4.2L, unfortunately. OTOH, the plastic unit lasted me 14 years and is not outrageously expensive new, really.

 

The part was under warranty...I had it replaced by a more reliable mechanic this time and ALL IS WELL!!!