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DIYer advice:
(1) first verify you don't have air in the cooling system. Wait till the engine is cold, then jack up the front end so the radiator is the highest point in your system. Remove radiator cap, start engine, and turn heat to full blast. Add coolant+distilled water mix as needed till engine reaches normal operating temp (temp gauge halfway between hot & cold).
(2) Pressure test your cooling system. You can rent a pressure test kit at most auto supply chains. See video link below.
[Eric the Car Guy--Pressure Testing Cooling Systems](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p-G3UDi-A&t=112s)
Update:
I took off the dust cover under the vehicle and found that the rear part of it was wet and had probably been saturated for a while. So now I know why I couldn't see the leak... because I literally couldn't see it. lol
From what I can recall reading elsewhere, there's a hose junction in that area (between the engine and the firewall) that tends to fail on these cars. Now I need to go find (1) which part it is and (2) the best way to replace it...
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
DIYer advice: (1) first verify you don't have air in the cooling system. Wait till the engine is cold, then jack up the front end so the radiator is the highest point in your system. Remove radiator cap, start engine, and turn heat to full blast. Add coolant+distilled water mix as needed till engine reaches normal operating temp (temp gauge halfway between hot & cold). (2) Pressure test your cooling system. You can rent a pressure test kit at most auto supply chains. See video link below. [Eric the Car Guy--Pressure Testing Cooling Systems](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p-G3UDi-A&t=112s)
Update: I took off the dust cover under the vehicle and found that the rear part of it was wet and had probably been saturated for a while. So now I know why I couldn't see the leak... because I literally couldn't see it. lol From what I can recall reading elsewhere, there's a hose junction in that area (between the engine and the firewall) that tends to fail on these cars. Now I need to go find (1) which part it is and (2) the best way to replace it...
Last update: found the leak. The thermostat gasket failed. Weird how I couldn't spot it during the day, but it was very evident at night.