2000 RL used 2 liters of coolant in 24 hrs!

[younglifeunc]

My 2000 RL's coolant reservoir level was well below minimum yesterday, which was strange because I just had the timing belt and water pump replaced. They also did the whole cooling system service, and this was all 2300 miles ago! So, yesterday I filled it back up and checked it again this morning only to find that it went from a little above max to well below minimum again. I warmed up the car and looked under the hood, and there's coolant residue all over the cooling fans and radiator covers, and there appeared to be coolant all along the top "seam" of the radiator. Hoses appear to be fine and not quick leak that was immediately visible. What's going on?!?!?!

[seamusnh]

One noted problem with RLs are hairline cracks in the top housing of the radiator. That housing on my 96 was plastic and it had a hairline crack on the outside front of the radiator on the driver side.

Your situation may be different in that you just had work done on the cooling system. I suggest you bring it back to the shop that provided the service and they can check it. They can put it under pressure and find the leak...

[younglifeunc]

Thanks. I took it into the shop just a little while ago, and we'll see what they have to say. Their tech looked at it quickly before I left, and he said he thinks it might be the radiator because of the seam on the top of the radiator leaking. Does anyone know how to install a new radiator or if it's too complicated and fragile for me to attempt on my own???

[RLuke]

it is quite straight forward. you need a buddy and 1-2 hours of your precious time to accomplish it.

[seamusnh]

I was able to do it by myself. Of course, I was able to put the car up on jackstands and do it over the course of two weekends and drive my kids' car.... One advantage of having teenagers!