I have an 04 mazda 3, 2.0.

Yesterday, I went to see my GF for lunch and when I got the the restaurant I noticed a coolant smell and a puddle under my car. Looked and there was coolant leaking from what looked like the water pump but I couldnt tell. Drove it home and left it parked till this morning when I could bring it to my mechanic. I drove to work this morning, since work is close to my mechanic and a ride is easier to get, and Ill be damned if there was no leak. No smell, no puddle, only residue from the previous day. I must admit im confused by this.

Over the past year and a half I have had 3 thermostats and 3 water pumps go out but my mechanic honors all the parts he uses so when they go out he replaces them and doesnt charge me for additional labor.

Yeah, WTF.

Thanks

 

if the fluid level is ok, i'm not sure why it would start & stop... my first guess is the coolant level is below the water pump - which can kill the engine with no cooling. or maybe just low enough so there's air in the radiator so the pressure isn't building up enough to blow past the seal.
id ask for better parts, only so many chances until that pump dies & takes the engine with it.

good luck