Coolant Leak

[NiX]

Trying to diagnose several problems, slowly getting back to a smooth running car.

About a month ago, the car's temp gauge shot up, so I turned the heater on and got it to go back down, so I drove it back home. I checked out the car and did a spot check and it sounded 'normal' So I drove it again, less then a mile later it heated up again. I replaced the thermostat and the problem went away. Since then the car leaves little puddles of coolant while sitting (after driving 7 miles in the morning), but the over flow and radiator remain full. I replaced the belts and water pump yesterday along with the idler/tension pulley. Today I notice it is still leaking but the puddles are gradually getting smaller. I can twist bolts but I have a hard time dianosing problems, what does this sound like?

2nd, when the Air is blowing, I hear a metal sharp but faint sound on the right side of the car. Sounds like it is coming from the vents. I turn the air off and it goes away right away. Turn it back on and the sound is back. With AC on or Off, hot or cold. It doesn't do it all the time either... Any idea about this one?

Thanks a lot for this site. I'm an ex-mr2 owner that did a lot of work on that, but since i got married with kids, and then deployed for 7+ mo, finally trying to get this car back into shape!

[kennedy33]

I can't help you on the first problem but I had the same problem on your second issue. Mine was only making that sharp pitching noise when the ac was on. We tightened the ac belt and the noise went away. Good luck.

[NiX]

I just replaced the belts and they are on pretty snug. The sound seems to go away when i hit a bit of gas but comes back when the RPM comes down again.

[Rev_D21]

Could be your idler pulley taking a crap or your water pump bearing. I have heard both on these engines.

[NiX]

I just replaced both of those.

still leaking coolant too.

[Rev_D21]

Did you do a good clean up job after you replaced the T-Stat? The other place I have seen leaks is on the backside of the intake plenum on the passenger side of the engine. There is a fitting that likes to seep a little coolant. I'd also shine a light on the water pump, make sure that is dry on the outside.