Losing coolant

[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
>>>
>>>