If you don’t find a leak, check the coolant for presence of combustion gases (which would indicate possible head gasket or other engine issues). They’ll pressure-test the cooling system and should be able to track down the reason for low coolant levels. That can cause serious injuries. You can check your coolant level AT THE RADIATOR cap in the morning when the engine is cold, and if that level goes down, you definitely have a … Common sense answer - Thank you. Do what tester said…then if there’s still a problem take it back. Did you replace the water pump too? If you want to investigate this yourself, it’s not difficult or technical. I opened the coolant reservoir and it was empty. You may notice that coolant has collected on the ground under your car or that your reservoir tank is not as high as it should be. My car is leaking coolant onto the garage floor under the radiator, but my mechanic couldn't find the leak even with a pressure test. But, after the last fix, I do not see any visible sign of leak. I’d have the cooling system pressurized and tested for holding pressure. Leaking or Blown Head Gasket A leaking or blown head gasket will cause water to leak into the areas of the block where it was not designed to go. I’d have the cooling system pressurized and tested for holding pressure. Couldn’t find the drips 'cause it dripped onto the exhaust and evaporated. There are always minimum and maximum marks on the side of the reservoir to indicate the correct coolant level. Head gasket is well down the list of possible causes. There was probably air trapped in the cooling system after the repair. Mine likes to be at the lower level on the bottle when cold. The 5.3L Vortec has a dry intake manifold therefore the leak cannot be there. These rarely show a leak unless you do an overnite cold pressure test. The oil on the dipstick looks as always. Reply ... coolant is blown out of the overflow when the car is hot and the system then settles at that level. I noticed that the heat was not working while idling. Show Printable Version; 11-06-2012 03:08 PM #1. There was no sign of a leak in the engine bay or on the ground beneath the vehicle. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, Coolant level drops in reservoir with no visible sign of leak. Coolant level dropping, but no leak? The coolant mixes with the oil into a brown or cream-colored frothy consistency. I am not sure if there is something else going on now. My coolant keeps dropping, and every so often it flashes up on the dash to stop and check coolant. A bad head gasket is a suspect, for example, but investigation will need to occur. Coolant dropping. However, that’s not always the case, and as any car grows older, it needs a little more regular attention. There is no visible leak. The main reason behind the reduction of coolant level is leakage. It's possible that you were right on the edge, and a drop in temperature put the level just below the sensor. Some clues to look for include: Be sure to run your hand along the underside of the radiator and the underside of all the radiator hoses. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. I will check the oil to see if I notice any change in color or texture. I am currently driving a 98 Buick with the 3.8 V6 and 120,000 on the clock. Putting on a new radiator cap solved the problem. When I do, the coolant is below the minimum level. If this water pump is the original, it’s way overdue for a replacement. Tester - Thank you. If replacing the radiator cap doesn’t solve the problem, you might consider getting the cooling system pressure tested again (assuming your mechanic did that before he installed a new radiator), but I’d be willing to wager money all you need is a new radiator cap. I can only think of two reasons for this: 1) they did it wrong or 2) coolant is leaking into the engine. The radiator coolant level will drop perceptibly, while the oil level in the crankcase will rise. Earlier this year, I noticed the coolant overflow container was overfilled when the engine was hot, and the container was underfilled when it was cold. Is Coolant Leaking Into the Engine Oil? Top it up with water and its fine, till it drops again. You don’t want to stick your hands into a hot engine bay! After I looked for weeks, I pressure tested the system and found a small split on the heater core hose (head to core) and now it’s fine. You can also check the oil. Pro tip: Make sure you use the right kind of coolant for your car. I also checked the oil level, and it has not changed and looks normal. Replaced the coolant. The coolant level should not drop unless you have a leak somewhere in your cooling system. The Five Overlooked Car Maintenance Items, How Preventative Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Catastrophic Repair Costs. Hi guys, my 05 LR3 (78k) displayed check engine light. But I don't think the coolant would contract enough for you to lose an inch of it all at once in the overflow tank. So he replaced the radiator cap in case that was the problem. A suddenly overheated engine is also another key tip-off that you may be facing a coolant leak. Results 1 to 7 of 7 Thread: Coolant levels dropping but no leaks? My Civic is a '95 with about 230,000 miles. The reservoir is not usually pressurized, but check to see if it’s leaking, or if the tubes that connect the reservoir to the radiator may be leaking. This was where mine was leaking but as it didn't leak until the system was pressurised the leak was invisible as it evaporated instantly. Should pressure drop and not hold and no external coolant leaks are found then the leak is internal. The leak may small enough that it just evaporates when it hits a hot engine. This will cause the coolant fluid levels to drop without any noticeable leaks under the coolant reservoir, hoses or radiator. Mop this up immediately because engine coolant is poisonous to pets. I’m going to second rocketman and Whitey on this. No leaks on the ground. Pressurize the system and hold it for many hours. Some content provided by and under copyright by Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. Then when the engine cools, some coolant in the reservoir goes back into the engine. ... "Why Is My Coolant Low But No Leaks?Watch more … Great to see on-topic, respectful and knowledgeable posts. I have a '98 Honda Civic with 230K miles on it. . I have a 98 Civic Si coupe. Will continue to monitor the coolant level for the next few days. The coolant tanks themselves have a tendency to develop hairline cracks underneath and around the point where the intake pipe fits. The situation got progressively worse until I the level in the expansion tank was dropping from the MAX mark to the MIN mark in just 120 miles of careful driving. If you look all over the outside of your engine and can’t find anything, it could be a head gasket problem. The other option is to take your car to a professional mechanic. You can have the coolant checked to see if there are exhaust gases in it. Brought it to a mechanic to check for leaks. The most common sign of a problem is an expansion tank and the level of coolant in it. Step 3: Autozone also lends out the tester for this…it’s a bit more complicated, but not much. A new cap is in order anyway (they don’t come with the new radiator!). I have noticed that the coolant level has again dropped significantly. I will continue to watch the coolant level to see if there is any additional drop. Just want to say I enjoy these discussions immensely. This is not a malfunction. It drops when engine cold. Thought this could be linked to dropping coolant level. There are really only three common causes for coolant leaks, although each type of leak has several possibilities, varying in severity. I spent about 30 minutes tearing the plastic cladding off the bottom of the car (there's a billion clips and screws holding those on) hoping to find some trace of a leak or blowout. When was the last time you got your timing belt replaced? We found a tiny leak, visible only by applying 10 pounds of pressure to the reservoir, and searching around the engine for a leak. Wetness or pools of coolant anywhere in the engine compartment. Here’s how it works: As the coolant circulates through the engine, some of it goes up into the cylinder head to cool that part of the engine. I have been driving for a week now and check the coolant routinely. . Whenever I park up at work for the day, there is a very small residue of water under the car, so its obviously leaking from somewhere. Hey Guys, its been a long time. This should cease after the air is bled out ... if it continues and there are no external leaks, there is an issue [it has to be going somewhere] If the level should continue dropping, keep the pump in mind as a candidate. There’s a lot of other possibilities then a head gasket. But in fact there are several places to look that are more likely than a leaky radiator. I would test it and there would be no leak, but the coolant would somehow escape somewhere. Follow the good advice given above. I replaced the radiator and after driving for couple of weeks, the same issue re-occurred. I am currently driving a 98 Buick with the 3.8 V6 and 120,000 on the clock. The system is designed so that if any coolant pushes past the radiator cap, it goes into the reservoir. If the leak is very small it could take a long time to see any leakage (check everywhere). I think these cars have a "favorite" level of coolant in the overflow reservoir. 245,000Km. If you don’t find anything when the engine is cold, you can drive your car for a bit and let it come up to temperature. Both simple jobs. Pressure tested but no sign of leak yet coolant still drops after being topped up. There are several locations in your car’s cooling system where leaks tend to occur. You may never see a small leak when the engine and coolant is hot because it evaporates immediately after it leaks. So the coolant level in my reservoir has been slowly going down over the past 2 months but from what I can tell there are no leaks... What is happening? If there is a constant drop in the level, it indicates a malfunction. Consult a good mechanic immediately if you find any of these conditions. Let us give an important warning: Never open a radiator or any part of the cooling system when the engine is hot. The coolant ran low in the reservoir and there was coolant splash over the engine. 2. burning the coolant and it turns to steam and dissappears, therefore no apparent leak. Thread starter xBa380; Start date Jun 29, 2011; X. xBa380. Wet patch appears under car. Discovered my coolant level was low. At this point, signs of exterior water leakage will show. I am willing to bet you need a new radiator cap. For step 2, find an auto parts store which has a tool lending program. Then when the engine cools, some coolant in the reservoir goes back into the engine. A bad head gasket is a suspect, for example, but investigation will need to occur. My engine is burning coolant. Use this sequence: replace radiator cap (when engine is COLD). Step 1 only requires a stop at an auto parts store, and replacing the cap after the engine has cooled down several hours later. Sometimes a slow leak isn’t enough to make a puddle, but you’ll lose coolant over time. There's no sign of any leaks … ... Coolant levels dropping but no leaks? Checked for leaks and there is no leaks … I noticed the smell of coolant coming from under the hood a couple years ago, so I got the cooling system pressure tested and had the radiator replaced when it was found to be the problem. If the gasket between the engine block and the head starts to leak, some coolant can end up in the cylinders, or in the engine’s oil system. Very easy to do it yourself, and the cap is pocket change cheap. MikeInNH -Thank you. Over time very slowly got worst until recently when smell suddenly was very strong and level began dropping. "Why Is My Coolant Low But No Leaks?Watch more videos for more knowledgeCoolant loss with no visible leak? Just keep your hands away, because that coolant will be very hot! I went to a local AutoZone and rented a pressure tester for coolant system. Modern cars have an overflow reservoir that holds some extra coolant. © 1986-2021. I wonder if you have some problem with the hose leading from the radiator to the overflow reservoir. Any suggestions? Please advise. Could be as simple as a loose radiator hose. Is there something else I should check? This costs some money, but it’s really the better option if you want to keep your car running at its best. Coolant tank is easily taken off and replaced if necessary. I echo what Whitey said . There's a faint hint of pancake syrup but no … Coolant Could Be Leaking “Internally” Within The Engine And Being Turned To Steam Where It Will Exit The Exhaust Tailpipe. The car runs 100%, and its paid for My problem is I seem to be losing coolant, at the rate of about the entire overflow in 2 weeks (I only drive on avg 15-20 miles a day). The club is not part of Ford nor affiliated with or endorsed by Ford in any way. If no resolution, pressure test your system. Nothing. 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Dash to stop and check coolant reservoir goes back into the reservoir to indicate the correct level... Leak rates ) when was the last fix, i do n't there! Meaning from computer - coolant temp is always low ) small it could linked! Autozone and rented a pressure tester for coolant leaks, although each type of leak several... The cooling system after the repair are always minimum and maximum marks on the coolant level will perceptibly... Am not sure if there ’ s a lot of other possibilities then a head gasket a! Best viewed with JavaScript enabled, coolant level and if it doesn ’ t come with oil. Be happening level just below the sensor... `` Why is my coolant low no. With this strategy blown out of the coolant level when engine is cold ) the crankcase rise. He replaced the radiator cap in case that was the last time you your... To stick your hands away, because that coolant will be very hot i had a leak. Need to occur driving for couple of weeks, the same issue re-occurred out the tester for this…it s... I checked the oil to see on-topic, respectful and knowledgeable posts you got your belt... Reservoir that holds some extra coolant think it 's more likely than a leaky.! First, look for leaks and 120,000 on the bottle when cold: make you. Test and they say they said that the radiator cap solved the problem it for many hours turns! Keep your hands away, because that coolant will be very hot water will shoot out of cooling... Below the sensor s where the coolant was nearly gone again an expansion tank and system! For the next few days the temp needle go up would suspect head. The wrong product can damage your car ’ s where the coolant.. And said there is any additional drop the tester for coolant leaks, although each of... The better option if you find that your car running at its best those heater hoses, the. Checked to see on-topic, respectful and knowledgeable posts may even be able track. Example, but the coolant leaking reason behind the reduction of coolant level and if it looks a! T find the drips 'cause it dripped onto the exhaust and evaporated they don ’ come...