coolant eruption
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Joined: Jun 2004
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coolant eruption
My truck is a 1988, f250, 4x4, in line six. The truck runs great with one minor bad habit. Every once in awhile (maybe every fifth or sixth time i run it) when I stop the truck and look under the hood, there is a small amount of coolant laying on top of the recovery tank (over flow container). By small amount i mean maybe a tablespoon full. The engine does not over heat when this happens. The truck has a new thermostat (from ford, correct temp) and new collant hoses.
It just seems randomly, the coolant "erupts" into the overflow cpntainer and manages to make a splash on top of the container.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
It just seems randomly, the coolant "erupts" into the overflow cpntainer and manages to make a splash on top of the container.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Do you have too much coolant in your recovery tank? They put a line on there for a reason. When the engine is hot, coolant will be deposited into the overflow tank. When the engine cools, coolant will flow back into the radiator. If you have too much in the recovery tank then it can overflow as the engine reaches its highest operating temp. Good luck, John 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,776
Likes: 862
From: Foothills of NC
I will find coolant on my overflow tank, and also occasionally on the lower radiator support frame. I tracked it down to the plastic side tank on my radiator leaking.
The wind and engine fan would blow the coolant onto the recovery tank when driving. The heat off the radiator will dry up the wetness around the radiator end tank, making it not seem to be the problem. The rubber seal has shrunk, and it only leaks on cool nights, and when the radiator is first building up pressure. After the radiator gets hot the tank gaskets swell up and usually stop leaking until the truck sits overnight and cools back down.
Mine is an 87, so it could be the same thing.
The wind and engine fan would blow the coolant onto the recovery tank when driving. The heat off the radiator will dry up the wetness around the radiator end tank, making it not seem to be the problem. The rubber seal has shrunk, and it only leaks on cool nights, and when the radiator is first building up pressure. After the radiator gets hot the tank gaskets swell up and usually stop leaking until the truck sits overnight and cools back down.
Mine is an 87, so it could be the same thing.
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Thanks for the replies. I replaced the radiator cap and the problem is gone. The old cap must have been letting go everyonce in awhile causing the eruption into the overflow tank to splash up against the lid (and a little bit out onto the top). Thanks again!
