# Large Coolant Leak From Engine

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** coolant, engines, leaks\
**Created:** [May 24, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504 "2013-05-24T20:56:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mrbarry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/fbc32d/32.png) [@mrbarry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrbarry)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/1 "2013-05-24T20:56:19Z")

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I drive a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS with ~133000. I just recently filled up my coolant reservoir with 50/50 coolant. 2 days later I needed to fill it again. I went through an entire jug of coolant in 4 days. It seems to be leaking from the top of the engine and the engine runs slightly rough and has a hard time starting some days (more often recently). How bad is it doc?

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/2 "2013-05-24T21:04:31Z")

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@mrbarry

It sounds like you may have a blown head gasket

That car needs to go to a shop ASAP if you want even the slightest chance of saving the engine

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/3 "2013-05-24T21:05:51Z")

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+1 to db’s post.  
Make haste to your favorite reputable shop.

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**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/4 "2013-05-24T21:11:40Z")

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**^**  
The OP should bear in mind that “reputable” rarely includes chain operations like Midas, Meineke, Monro, Sears, Pep Boys, NTB, or…\<\>…AAMCO. Go to a local independent mechanic with a good reputation.

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**Author:** ![knfenimore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9fc348/32.png) [@knfenimore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/knfenimore)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 10:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/5 "2013-05-24T22:29:55Z")

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Top of engine Could be hose leak or thermostat o-ring leak.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [May 25, 2013, 6:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/large-coolant-leak-from-engine/79504/6 "2013-05-25T06:45:16Z")

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mrbarry, do you SEE any coolant leaking on the ground? Is there a puddle of coolant under the car? How about your exhaust, is there any white sweet-smelling smoke?