Leaking Coolant

Purchased a used 2000 Saturn recently and have had trouble with it leaking
the coolant. First symptom is the steam coming from the right side of
the hood and the leaking coolant underneath. The temperature light does
NOT get past the half way mark - so it appears the engine is not
overheating. After loosing the coolant - the low coolant light goes on.
We had it checked once, but the mechanics found no leaks in the hoses or
radiator. Not sure what do now. Hoping it's something easy to fix on our
own, but not sure where to start.

 

Biggest problem with finding leaks, no one hoses their cars underside
off. If everything looks like a leak, you cant find leaks. Clean the
underside and engine then once its dry you need to apply a coolant
pressure tester to the sytem. It will force coolant out where ever the
leak is. You never said if it was driver or pass. side though so I
havent a hint as to where it is.

 

right side of hood, probably water pump, but could be leaky hose or
loose clamp.

James

 

It is the right side of the hood and appears to be near the coolant
overflow. I can see the drip marks, but can't seem to determine where it
is coming from.

 

I think thats the left side (drivers side) IIRC. (Where you stand doesnt
determine whats left and right.) Have your cap pressure tested and if
nothing turns up on it have the system pressure tested. If the systems
not under pressure you're going to have a hard time finding the leak.