Coolant

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Jun 10, 1999 | 02:49 PM

RogerW

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Coolant

I seem to be using more coolant than I think I should. I have a new water pump and I don't see any leaks, but I am filling up my overflow at least weekly. Is this normal for an 87 F150, 302?

Jun 10, 1999 | 06:19 PM

Straightsix

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Coolant

If you haven't already done so, check your oil. If you blew a head gasket or cracked the block, the coolant could be leaking into the oil...if it is, the oil will look like...well...oil with coolant in it. It is very obvious.

Jun 11, 1999 | 03:55 PM

RogerW

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Coolant

No, I just changed the oil last night, it looked normal except for a little overused. Also, I check the overflow last night and the water i put in a few days ago is still there, so we will see.

Jun 12, 1999 | 10:15 AM

David DeLeon

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Coolant

You probaly have a bad radiator cap, what is happening is the presure is building in the radiator, normal, but the cap allows the presure to release too early, this causes the overflow to overfill, then when it cools it draws what little is left in the overflow, back to the radiator. Replace your bad cap with a new one.

Dave

Jun 13, 1999 | 07:28 PM

car36

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Coolant

I had the same problem on my F250. Mine was a defective radiator cap. I wouldn't go throwing a bunch of parts at it, though, without pressure testing it. If you don't have a pressure tester, and don't want to buy one, pay a local shop to do it. It's not expensive and will pinpoint the leak. One of the best tools I've ever bought was a pressure tester. They're not expensive and usually have adapeters that will allow you to test your cap, too.

Make sure your cap's gasket is good and see if there's any dirt on between the gasket and where the gasket hits the radiator. Check the overflow tank's hose for holes.

Vehicles with overflow tanks (anthing made in the last 30 years) DON'T "use" coolant. You shouldn'tbe loosing ANY! Small leaks are a bitch to find.. have it tested.