Losing coolant

[Don Bradner]

I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing gate
valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of days ago I checked
and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took roughly one gallon to bring it
back to the top of the glass.

This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate runs with
several days between each).

I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just now, cold,
and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it to the top. This was
about 110 miles since the previous fill.

My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300 miles. I
would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it boils off??)

I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids underneath
(It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not been used, so not even
condensate).

Any thoughts on what to look at/for?

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

[Pete Masterson]

Since I got my radiator re-cored (I won't count the coolant loss
before the radiator was working properly), I've had long periods
where the coolant seems to be in the glass each time I check -- and I
check each time I'm getting ready to leave a location. Other times,
I've found the coolant level below the glass -- and I've needed to
put in a few ounces to as much as a half-gallon.

I can't explain why theses periods of "usage" occur when compared to
times when the coolant level is stable.

My only suggestions: make sure the cap is on correctly. I find that
my coolant cap is difficult to turn to "the last click" and I may
have left it slightly loose. Also be sure that the cap is holding the
(rather low) pressure. Over time, the spring-valve in the cap can
weaken. If I recall correctly the cap is 7 psi rated -- so check to
see that you have the correct cap.

Beyond that, if there are no symptoms of leakage or other ways that
coolant is being lost, it may just be one of those mysteries ...

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Edinburg, VA



On Oct 23, 2008, at 11:26 AM, Don Bradner wrote:

> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with
> replacing gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A
> couple of days ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight
> glass. Took roughly one gallon to bring it back to the top of the
> glass.
>
> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three
> separate runs with several days between each).
>
> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it
> just now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to
> bring it to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.
>
> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
> miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
> boils off??)
>
> I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
> underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
> been used, so not even condensate).
>
> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
>

[Leroy Eckert]

Don, you mentioned you changed the gate valves, for the heater system I presume. It probably is an air pocket that got worked through if no evidence in the engine oil or ground.You might check the tranny since it's oil is water cooled. I say that because after I changed my main engine water pump I had to add fluid a couple of times. It finally stabilized and have not added fluid since. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors Dahlonega, GA --- On Thu, 10/23/08, Don Bradner wrote: From: Don Bradner Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Losing coolant To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, October 23, 2008, 11:26 AM I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of days ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took roughly one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass. This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate runs with several days between each). I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill. My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300 miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it boils off??) I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not been used, so not even condensate). Any thoughts on what to look at/for? Don Bradner 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina My location: http://www.bbirdmaps. com/user2. cfm?user= 1

[David Brady]

Don,



Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent

a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on your

radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably just

a loose hose clamp



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



Don Bradner wrote:

I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with
replacing gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A
couple of days ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass.
Took roughly one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.



This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate
runs with several days between each).



I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just
now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it
to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.



My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
boils off??)



I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not been
used, so not even condensate).



Any thoughts on what to look at/for?



Don Bradner

90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"

Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina

My location: www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date: 10/9/2008 12:00 AM

[Gregory OConnor]

Don, to get peace of minde it would help to do an oil anlalsis on
what is in the oil pan now. once again I am not for oil analysis and
what would you do if it showed glycol in the pan anyway? if you wash
the puke tank and wrap the rad cap with toil paper prior to a run,
you would get an idea if it is puking and then there is a pressure
issue???? I had a hose leak on a truck that would only piss when it
got to 175 dertrr and it would hit the exhaust so the only sign I
had was the sweet smell of glycol. check up around the starter for
signs of the compressor lines or such. I hope it is no issue and
only the $23,000 fear we all have.

Greg94ptCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
wrote:
>
> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with
replacing gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A
couple of days ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight
glass. Took roughly one gallon to bring it back to the top of the
glass.
>
> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three
separate runs with several days between each).
>
> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it
just now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to
bring it to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous
fill.
>
> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
boils off??)
>
> I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
been used, so not even condensate).
>
> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>

[David Brady]

I've had 2 instances where I've mysteriously lost a quart or so

of coolant, both times the loss was traced to a leaky hose via

a loose hose clamp. I tightened the clamp a bit (don't overtighten)

and the coolant level has been rock steady. If you find yourself

having to add coolant, then you have a leak. If you've done coolant

system work in the very recent past, then there could be a pocket

of air that's being worked out. I've just finished a 7000 mile trip

with zero coolant consumption. The 7 psi cap raises the boiling point

by 21 deg F (3 deg per 1 psi I believe). If you have a leak then the

system won't reach spec pressure and you'll boil at a correspondingly

lower temperature. As part of our yearly maintenance we should all

rent/buy a radiator pressure tester and do a leak down on the cooling

system. You may be surprised what you find.



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



David Brady wrote:

Don,



Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent

a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on your

radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably just

a loose hose clamp



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



Don Bradner wrote:

I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with
replacing gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A
couple of days ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass.
Took roughly one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.



This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate
runs with several days between each).



I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just
now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it
to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.



My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
boils off??)



I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not been
used, so not even condensate).



Any thoughts on what to look at/for?



Don Bradner

90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"

Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina

My location: www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date: 10/9/2008 12:00 AM

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date: 10/9/2008 12:00 AM

[Don Bradner]

David, I show no sign of splash, but the rate of leak is slow enough, and the
rear mudflap solid enough, that it doesn't rule out leak. At the stop where I
checked the level hot I also looked underneath for any sign of loss (engine was
running) and there was none. Even so, I think your idea of getting a pressurizer
for testing is the best plan moving forward.

My cap is a 13-lb cap, and is secure. I agree that last click is hard - takes
two hands for me.

It has been driven 6000 miles since the upper gate valves were replaced. There
was about 1 gallon replaced in the first hundred miles or so. Heater has been
used multiple times.

Transmission fluid level is normal/slightly low, and is clear. I would not
expect either if it had 5 quarts of coolant in it.

On 10/23/2008 at 12:29 PM David Brady wrote:

>Don,
>
>Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent
>a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on your
>radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably just
>a loose hose clamp
>
>David Brady
>'02 LXi, NC
>
>Don Bradner wrote:
>>
>> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing
>> gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of days
>> ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took roughly
>> one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.
>>
>> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate
>> runs with several days between each).
>>
>> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just
>> now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it
>> to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.
>>
>> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
>> miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
>> boils off??)
>>
>> I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
>> underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
>> been used, so not even condensate).
>>
>> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>>
>> Don Bradner
>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
>> Checked by AVG.
>> Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date:
>10/9/2008 12:00 AM
>>

[jim riordan]

Don,

You could get a gallon container and some how wire it so that it would collect anything from the overflow tube to see if it coming from there

Jim Riordan

88 WBWL XXV

Stuart, Fl

Don Bradner wrote:

David, I show no sign of splash, but the rate of leak is slow enough, and the rear mudflap solid enough, that it doesn't rule out leak. At the stop where I checked the level hot I also looked underneath for any sign of
loss (engine was running) and there was none. Even so, I think your idea of getting a pressurizer for testing is the best plan moving forward.

My cap is a 13-lb cap, and is secure. I agree that last click is hard - takes two hands for me.

It has been driven 6000 miles since the upper gate valves were replaced. There was about 1 gallon replaced in the first hundred miles or so. Heater has been used multiple times.

Transmission fluid level is normal/slightly low, and is clear. I would not expect either if it had 5 quarts of coolant in it.

On 10/23/2008 at 12:29 PM David Brady wrote:

>Don,
>
>Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent
>a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on your
>radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably just
>a loose hose clamp
>
>David Brady
>'02 LXi, NC
>
>Don Bradner
wrote:
>>
>> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing
>> gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of days
>> ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took roughly
>> one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.
>>
>> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate
>> runs with several days between each).
>>
>> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just
>> now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it
>> to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.
>>
>> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
>> miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
>> boils off??)
>>
>> I'm parked on clean concrete, and
there are no signs of any fluids
>> underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
>> been used, so not even condensate).
>>
>> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>>
>> Don Bradner
>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
>> Checked by AVG.
>> Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date:
>10/9/2008 12:00 AM
>>

[Pete Masterson]

That first gallon of coolant was very likely air in the system being
cleared out. It's been a couple of years, but I recall needing to top
off my coolant a several of times during the first 500 miles of
travel after my radiator was rebuilt.

I suspect that smaller 'shortages' of coolant that I've experienced
from time to time (and seemingly randomly) were due to limited
'spitting' out the overflow for reasons that may never be known.
(Perhaps a few ounces spit out due to a warmer engine than usual --
but so little that it evaporated without clear evidence left behind?
I note that I get a similar occurrence with my auto from time to
time.) If I were experiencing shortages after every trip ... then I'd
tend to suspect a loose hose clamp or minor leak somewhere in the
system.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at



On Oct 23, 2008, at 3:17 PM, Don Bradner wrote:

> David, I show no sign of splash, but the rate of leak is slow
> enough, and the rear mudflap solid enough, that it doesn't rule out
> leak. At the stop where I checked the level hot I also looked
> underneath for any sign of loss (engine was running) and there was
> none. Even so, I think your idea of getting a pressurizer for
> testing is the best plan moving forward.
>
> My cap is a 13-lb cap, and is secure. I agree that last click is
> hard - takes two hands for me.
>
> It has been driven 6000 miles since the upper gate valves were
> replaced. There was about 1 gallon replaced in the first hundred
> miles or so. Heater has been used multiple times.
>
> Transmission fluid level is normal/slightly low, and is clear. I
> would not expect either if it had 5 quarts of coolant in it.
>
> On 10/23/2008 at 12:29 PM David Brady wrote:
>
>> Don,
>>
>> Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent
>> a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on
>> your
>> radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably
>> just
>> a loose hose clamp
>>
>> David Brady
>> '02 LXi, NC
>>
>> Don Bradner wrote:
>>>
>>> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing
>>> gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of
>>> days
>>> ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took
>>> roughly
>>> one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.
>>>
>>> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three
>>> separate
>>> runs with several days between each).
>>>
>>> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it
>>> just
>>> now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to
>>> bring it
>>> to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.
>>>
>>> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
>>> miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
>>> boils off??)
>>>
>>> I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
>>> underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
>>> been used, so not even condensate).
>>>
>>> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>>>
>>> Don Bradner
>>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>>> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
>>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>>
>>>

[Joyce and Richard Hayden]

Don, I would wonder why someone has put a 13 # cap on your cooling system. The standard for these engines have been 7#. I haven't heard of very many with anything above that.

Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA - still in Medford, OR but on the road again tomorrow after the tranny is fixed.

----- Original Message -----

From: "bluethunder@arcatapet.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 12:17 PM

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Losing coolant

David, I show no sign of splash, but the rate of leak is slow enough, and the rear mudflap solid enough, that it doesn't rule out leak. At the stop where I checked the level hot I also looked underneath for any sign of loss (engine was running) and there was none. Even so, I think your idea of getting a pressurizer for testing is the best plan moving forward.

My cap is a 13-lb cap, and is secure. I agree that last click is hard - takes two hands for me.

It has been driven 6000 miles since the upper gate valves were replaced. There was about 1 gallon replaced in the first hundred miles or so. Heater has been used multiple times.

Transmission fluid level is normal/slightly low, and is clear. I would not expect either if it had 5 quarts of coolant in it.

On 10/23/2008 at 12:29 PM David Brady wrote:

>Don,
>
>Does your toad show any signs of splash? Go to Autozone and rent
>a radiator pressurizer. Pump her up to the pressure designated on your
>radiator cap, and check all the hoses/fittings for leaks. Probably just
>a loose hose clamp
>
>David Brady
>'02 LXi, NC
>
>Don Bradner wrote:
>>
>> I've never had much coolant loss (except when dealing with replacing
>> gate valves), so I tend to check rather sporadically. A couple of days
>> ago I checked and it was not visible in the sight glass. Took roughly
>> one gallon to bring it back to the top of the glass.
>>
>> This was approximately 480 miles since the last check (three separate
>> runs with several days between each).
>>
>> I checked about 40 miles later (hot) and it was full. Checked it just
>> now, cold, and it was not visible. Took a bit over a quart to bring it
>> to the top. This was about 110 miles since the previous fill.
>>
>> My oil usage appears about normal, 5 quarts on this trip over 4300
>> miles. I would expect less if it was going into the oil (unless it
>> boils off??)
>>
>> I'm parked on clean concrete, and there are no signs of any fluids
>> underneath (It's been cool enough that the air conditioner has not
>> been used, so not even condensate).
>>
>> Any thoughts on what to look at/for?
>>
>> Don Bradner
>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
>> Posting today by satellite from Hilton Head, South Carolina
>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
>> Checked by AVG.
>> Version: 7.5.405 / Virus Database: 270.8.0/1715 - Release Date:
>10/9/2008 12:00 AM
>>