Hello All,
I have a slow coolant loss on my 3.2 that I can't pinpoint. The coolant level goes from the MAX to MIN fill lines on the expansion tank in approximately 6-7 weeks and triggers the low-coolant warning, so it is a very slow loss. I've performed the following steps:
1) Replaced the radiator, which was leaking (confirmed visually). I thought this was the cause of the coolant loss, but it's still losing some.
2) Visual inspection of all cooling hoses, radiator and expansion tank with engine running after a long drive. No leaks seen. System is holding pressure, as removing the coolant tank cap results in a release of pressure (as would be expected).
3) Performed a test to determine whether combustion gases are present in the coolant, which would point to a blown head gasket. This is a chemical test involving a tool that sucks air from the expansion tank through a blue solution that turns yellow if combustion gases are present. The test was negative.
4) Oil looks clean with no milky residue on the oil cap nor dipstick (which would indicate coolant in the oil).
5) No smoke through exhaust.
6) Interior carpets are dry (wet carpets would indicate a leaking heater core).
7) Engine runs perfectly.
At this point I don't know what to do next! Any suggestions? I can certainly live with it and add coolant every 6-7 weeks, but it's bugging me .
Thanks
cinergi
I have a slow coolant loss on my 3.2 that I can't pinpoint. The coolant level goes from the MAX to MIN fill lines on the expansion tank in approximately 6-7 weeks and triggers the low-coolant warning, so it is a very slow loss. I've performed the following steps:
1) Replaced the radiator, which was leaking (confirmed visually). I thought this was the cause of the coolant loss, but it's still losing some.
2) Visual inspection of all cooling hoses, radiator and expansion tank with engine running after a long drive. No leaks seen. System is holding pressure, as removing the coolant tank cap results in a release of pressure (as would be expected).
3) Performed a test to determine whether combustion gases are present in the coolant, which would point to a blown head gasket. This is a chemical test involving a tool that sucks air from the expansion tank through a blue solution that turns yellow if combustion gases are present. The test was negative.
4) Oil looks clean with no milky residue on the oil cap nor dipstick (which would indicate coolant in the oil).
5) No smoke through exhaust.
6) Interior carpets are dry (wet carpets would indicate a leaking heater core).
7) Engine runs perfectly.
At this point I don't know what to do next! Any suggestions? I can certainly live with it and add coolant every 6-7 weeks, but it's bugging me .
Thanks
cinergi