Losing Antifreeze

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Mar 1, 2016 | 07:03 AM

jamelton

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Losing Antifreeze

I have a 2002 Excursion (gas, not diesel). I've had some issues with it overheating, so in the past few days, changed the thermostat and flushed out the coolant reservoir. Since doing this, the temp gauge has approached "H", but drifts back to the middle, where it stays with light driving (without much stopping and starting). It's drinking antifreeze to the point that I've had to fill it up three times in the past two days. Any ideas on what could be causing it?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Mar 1, 2016 | 07:07 AM

Bently_Coop

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From: Kent Station, WA

You need to do a pressure test if you don't visibly see where the coolant is going. Either a hose, radiator, heater core, intake manifold or head gasket is leaking.

Mar 1, 2016 | 07:10 AM

jamelton

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Thanks. I couldn't find any evidence of a leak. There's no antifreeze pool, or evidence of a leak. It just seems to be drinking antifreeze.

Mar 1, 2016 | 07:16 AM

harley4jcs

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From: Central Tx.

Overheating + Drinking Coolant = Could be head trouble

Mar 1, 2016 | 07:16 AM

Bently_Coop

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From: Kent Station, WA

A pressure test on a cold engine with the cooling system full is a great place to start. I recently did the same on my Honda and it immediately lost coolant from a pinhole leak that only happens under pressure.

Mar 1, 2016 | 07:18 AM

Mr. Crab

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Joined: Jul 2013

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From: Richmond, VA

Smell the exhaust. If you have a head gasket problem, it will smell sweet, rather than like regular exhaust odor. You would probably also notice some steam and additional condensation however.