Disappearing coolant
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
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Disappearing coolant
The coolant overflow tank on my 1988 Full Size Bronco goes dry every couple of days, but I can't find a leak anywhere. Also, the temperature gauge never shows above half way. I'm adding water for now until I determine the problem. Any ideas?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Check for pressure leaks. They can be tough to trace. Hoses that are not quite tight enough may leak when the truck is hot but stop as it cools down (pressure in the system drops) leaving little evidence of the leak. Pinholes in hoses or the radiator can also behave this way. Look for scale (grey-white or yellow-white film) near hose ends or across the face of the radiator. Check areas that seal the water jacket i.e. the thermostat/waterneck gasket, water pump gasket, etc.
If none of this yields any evidence of a leak check the oil for grey-brown sludge. Probably have to drain it to do so. Here's hoping you don't get to this because its indicative of a failed head gasket or worse problem that is allowing water into the crankcase.
If none of this yields any evidence of a leak check the oil for grey-brown sludge. Probably have to drain it to do so. Here's hoping you don't get to this because its indicative of a failed head gasket or worse problem that is allowing water into the crankcase.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
pull the glove box out and inspect the heater core. mine had a small leak just enough to evaporate enough coolant to do what your talking about. thing was i never smelled it in he cab otherwise It would have gotten fixed way sooner. you will notice a leak because of the discoloration on the core. similar to if a hole was in your radiator for instance.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
Get yourself one of those coolant system pressure checkers that fit on at the radiator cap and you pump the system up with pressure to say 13-15psi, and with the engine cold and quiet, it makes it easier for you to find the source of the leak.
