Losing coolant

[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

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