coolant level problem

[prism]

I had engine coolant added about 3 months ago and the red float rod in the engine compartment was indicating max level. Checked it out today and its at the min level, is this normal or could there be a leak somewhere? Should I take it to take it to the stealer?

Thanks for your help!

[hopz]

Yes you could have a leak... first was the engine teperature the same both times?

Coolant leaks can be anywhere- examine the engine closely- look for corrosion/splits/cracks around all the hoses. Look on the ground where you park- any wetness? In extreme cases the leak can be internal. Look closely at the oil... is it whiteish- could coolant be mixing in with the oil?

Look at the exhaust- are you noticing an unusual odor or color, or more water vapor than usual? Could then be a head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion system.

If you find no evidence of leak- refill the system and carefully note the level while engine is hot. Re-check frequently and see if it goed down- look also for a clue as to when it goes down--- after a long hard run, or after sitting for a while?

Carry a spare container of at least a gallon of coolant in case something lets go during a trip. Watch your engine temperature gage for creeping temperatures.

Let us know hwat you see.

[Zulu95]

Had that problem. Never overheated but it was leaking at the pump. New pump/T'stat cured the leak!

[prism]

thanks guys, I never actually had the temperature gauge go up above halfway and no OBD warnings whatsoever. Also I didnt notice any leaks on the ground and the oil color has always been tarry black. I was told that even with the red float rod at min, there is still a lot of coolant liquid in the engine, is this true? It would seem strange that with only 17,000km on the odometer I have a leak! When you top the coolant level how long is it expected to remain at that level? Sorry for all the questions but the owner's handbook provides very little info on this!

[prism]

anybody?

[The Cleaner]

I have 70k on my 3.0 at top off the coolant about every 4-6 months. Did you happen you use the heater or defroster durring the time the level went down? If you have recently started using the heater you may have had air in the heater core. Sometime new cars have a little air trapped in the heater core and when you start to use the heater the air will escape and be replaced with coolant so you may see a small drop in coolent level at the expansion tank.

[dkl]

The air trapped in the heater core does make sense. I had to top off the coolant a couple of times when the car was new...then never again since. The float rod is always at the max level for over 2 1/2 years or 26k miles.

Prism, how many times did you have to top off the coolant expansion tank?

[prism]

Its the second time I have had to top it off since I got the car 1 year and 3 months ago. No heater use recently but the AC has been been on frequently!

[Scotty]

prism,

I think you have the quite common 'mysteriously disappearing coolant' (MDC) issue. I have topped up coolant every 3-6 months, sometimes added as much as 1 litre to get that little floater back to level. Very odd but no other symptoms day-to-day.

I recall others here having MDC, Ol Motor Dave in particular. So MDC appears to occur on 3.0 and 4.4

I did have a complete failure on the coolant reservoir cap; but that was dramatic, rapid and obvious, OBC complained and then steam from under the hood were good clues that something was amiss ! :-)

Scotty

[prism]

hmmm, strange, didnt realize that it was a common issue. Like you I dont get any other symptoms! Given that the car is still under warranty, I wonder if it is not worth taking a trip to the stealer! Anyways thanks for the insight you guys!