If only it were that easy. 
Losing Coolant
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
From: Sunny San Diego
Losing Coolant Brand New Engine. But losing about a cup a week of coolant.
Before I pull my heads to check my head gaskets. Anything else it could be?
Its doesn't leak coolant and no white smoke out of the exhaust.
Before I pull my heads to check my head gaskets. Anything else it could be?
Its doesn't leak coolant and no white smoke out of the exhaust.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
It is probably going into the oil. Check under your filler cap. If it has a white foamy build up thats the sign. You can tell if you drain your oil but its not easy to see. I had 2 3rd gen engines do this..Both where bad head gaskets..It doesnt alway go into the combustion chambers it sometimes finds an oil passage..
You will know for sure the moment you crack a head bolt loose. I would see if your radiator has a small drip that you would hardly notice. Chances are it is evaporating if it is on the motor itself. Could very well be a blown headgasket, or the early signs of one about to really let go on you.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
From: Sunny San Diego
The oil is very clean. I'll take a look at the filler cap.
The radiator is brand new too. But will look at that too.
I run ARP Head Studs so didn't think it would be head gaskets.
But you never know.
The radiator is brand new too. But will look at that too.
I run ARP Head Studs so didn't think it would be head gaskets.
But you never know.
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Mine did the exact same thing 2 years ago, I had a small head gasket leak into the cylinder. You could see a small spot/mark on the head/gasket/block where it was leaking.
I thought I had air in my system due to adding a EWP. I was on the dyno when it let loose after the dyno pull, it sucked it out and then I got white smoke on the decell, high vacuum.
Time to tear it down....
I thought I had air in my system due to adding a EWP. I was on the dyno when it let loose after the dyno pull, it sucked it out and then I got white smoke on the decell, high vacuum.
Time to tear it down....
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
From: Sunny San Diego
Originally Posted by ezrollin
you could always get the cooling system pressure tested. Autozone rental tool.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
From: Sunny San Diego
Tested everything one more time tonight. Everything held pressure.
So this time I capped the radiator and turned off the fans. Got the temps up to 210. What do you know, it started leaking at the cap. I guess the cap didn't like the SLP radiator
Bought a new cap from Napa. No more leaks. :yay: I am letting it cool down tonight. And I'll see if the level stays up. :xfingers:
So this time I capped the radiator and turned off the fans. Got the temps up to 210. What do you know, it started leaking at the cap. I guess the cap didn't like the SLP radiator
Bought a new cap from Napa. No more leaks. :yay: I am letting it cool down tonight. And I'll see if the level stays up. :xfingers:
if it leaked enough to suck the overflow dry and let air in the system, i'd recommend getting the system flushed and put some fresh coolant in there. there are a few things to consider, like how long have you had this problem, whether or not the car is operated in dusty climates and the age of the coolant now. the problem a flush would prevent is any trash that got sucked in the system sludging it up and causing a problem later on down the road. just having been a bad radiator cap, i think you'll be okay if you dont, but if you are the type to be specific about vehicle maintenance, do the flush to be on the safer side.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
From: Sunny San Diego
The overflow never went dry. The engine would push coolant into it. And suck some of it back. My guess is it also sucked some air though the leaky cap. Which I hope that is why the level was low.
I have only had the problem for a few months. I don't drive the car that often. Usually I am just racing it.
I run distilled water and water wetter, so I think I am ok and shouldn't need to flush it.
Thanks.
I have only had the problem for a few months. I don't drive the car that often. Usually I am just racing it.
I run distilled water and water wetter, so I think I am ok and shouldn't need to flush it.
Thanks.
