Coolant query - Gen 4

[Milgram]

Hi,

I am curious about coolant level and if there is any relation to cooler weather. Over the past month, I've noticed that the amount of coolant in the overflow reservoir when cold has dropped from about the halfway mark to just above low. Likewise, when hot, instead of sitting on the full mark, it is sitting about halfway between full and low.

I have booked the car in at the mechanic on the weekend to have everything checked, I cannot see any traces of coolant on the ground. Therefore, I assume any drop is attributed to the weather (if possible) or an internal leak? I've checked the oil, it appears clean with no milky residue and there are no signs of burning coolant from the exhaust.

Any thoughts?

[lateralus]

i think it just depends upon the ambient temperature of the air (and thus cooling efficiency), as well as the engine temperature. when i had my v6 sportivo, the coolant level used to fluctuate all the time depending on operating conditions however no coolant was ever actually lost.

even in the hotter months there used to be excess coolant sitting on the outside of the reservoir indicating overflow.

i would say this is completely normal as i never found anything wrong with the cooling system, but other people may think differently.

[Milgram]

i think it just depends upon the ambient temperature of the air (and thus cooling efficiency), as well as the engine temperature. when i had my v6 sportivo, the coolant level used to fluctuate all the time depending on operating conditions however no coolant was ever actually lost.

even in the hotter months there used to be excess coolant sitting on the outside of the reservoir indicating overflow.

i would say this is completely normal as i never found anything wrong with the cooling system, but other people may think differently.

I understand coolant expands and contracts based on vehicle temperature, but until recently it would consistantly read full when hot and sit at the halfway mark when cold, regardless of ambient temperature.

I had a more detailed look with a torch around the rear of the engine and noticed some dots of red fluid on a bolt towards the bottom of the timing belt cover. I am now thinking perhaps the water pump might be the culprit. I will see what comes of Saturday's visit to the mechanic.