coolant randomly going somewhere
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
It has to be going somewhere. Either into the block, or out, it is going somewhere. How does the oil look? Inspect all around the hoses for ALL of the cooling system. Check the radiator for leaks. Inspect the water pump closely to see if it weeping from anywhere. Pull the cover from the heater core and check it for dampness/leaks.
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Posting Guru
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yeah i havent checked the heater core or the oil. i did spend about half an hour looking all around from above and below and cant find anything, the water pump was a little damp but not damp enough to be the cause of the coolant going down, it doesnt make very much sense because it hasnt ran for a few weeks so it isnt burning it and there are no drips that i can see, i put cardboard under it last night to see if there are any drips that i missed in the dirt. i assume you just have to unscrew a couple of screws to get to the heater core? the heater core does make a noise when you start it but it sounds more like coolant going through the heater core rather than the sound of it leaking, also the last time we did start it it didnt smoke, it made that fog looking stuff (lack of better term) cause it was cold out but when it warmed up it stopped doing that, one time a few weeks ago when i revved it up a little bit i saw some white stuff i dont know if it was the fog stuff or white smoke cause i saw it out of my mirror. could that be it, doesnt coolant burn white?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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My first concern with coolant is always that it is making its way into the case and mixing with the oil. If you are hearing that liquid sound from the heater core when it first starts, you very well could be trading air for coolant somewhere. If the system were totally full and free of air, you wouldn't hear that noise.
I like the pressure test idea. Also check the carpeting under the heater core for wetness or coolant smell.
I like the pressure test idea. Also check the carpeting under the heater core for wetness or coolant smell.
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Posting Guru
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do i have to pull the pan or drain it or will it show on the dipstick?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Arkansas
My first concern with coolant is always that it is making its way into the case and mixing with the oil. If you are hearing that liquid sound from the heater core when it first starts, you very well could be trading air for coolant somewhere. If the system were totally full and free of air, you wouldn't hear that noise.
I like the pressure test idea. Also check the carpeting under the heater core for wetness or coolant smell.
I like the pressure test idea. Also check the carpeting under the heater core for wetness or coolant smell.
Is the heater core hard to replace?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,507
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From: Oregon
Fairly easy. Drain the cooling system, detach the two hoses at the firewall I believe, go in the cab, remove glovebox, undo several fasteners from the cover panel in the dash, and then it should come out. Do a search and you should find several threads on it.
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idk my truck made that sound for 12 years before this started happening
Junior User
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I didn't say it HAD to be air getting in, but from what I know of liquid hydraulics, fluid moving through piping is typically quiet unless there is air in the line. Does your windshield get that bluish film on the inside quite often? A leaking heater core can be the culprit for that too.
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Posting Guru
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I didn't say it HAD to be air getting in, but from what I know of liquid hydraulics, fluid moving through piping is typically quiet unless there is air in the line. Does your windshield get that bluish film on the inside quite often? A leaking heater core can be the culprit for that too.
or it will only leak when under pressure. How do you do that pressure test you were talking about?
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as a note the water pump is a bit wet, but not wet enough to be the source as this is a fairly big leak. also i didnt get the chance to pull the cover off of the heater core, but i do know the system has to be under pressure for it to leak.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Caracas, Venezuela
Usually the first spot for leaks is the joints of the hoses, even if the clamp seems tight enough. You might not notice it dripping, but a possibility. It could also be a mixed leak, with many small leaks on several parts of the system contributing. The leak from the water pump, where is it located?.