Coolant low...again
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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Coolant low...again
2004 f350, I just added coolant to the min level a week and a half ago.
Today the weather here in Florida has dropped 15 degrees and I was looking and my coolant is back down to the same spot it was before I added to it a week and a half ago.
I have not noticed coolant out of the tail pipe.
Where do I start looking for trouble? What do I look for?
Today the weather here in Florida has dropped 15 degrees and I was looking and my coolant is back down to the same spot it was before I added to it a week and a half ago.
I have not noticed coolant out of the tail pipe.
Where do I start looking for trouble? What do I look for?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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I was curious if it was a quart, a pint, a gallon, etc.
These levels do fluctuate quite a bit. It is important to keep a frequent eye on the level so you can get a feel for the fluctuation.
It could be that you are losing some coolant through a bad cap also.
Do you ever see the white chalky material around the degass bottle?
These levels do fluctuate quite a bit. It is important to keep a frequent eye on the level so you can get a feel for the fluctuation.
It could be that you are losing some coolant through a bad cap also.
Do you ever see the white chalky material around the degass bottle?
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Senior User
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I put in just under a quart. If I fill it back up today that will mean it has taken a half gallon in just over a week. I have read little about "puking". What is and where does the "puking" take place?
I will start keeping a better eye on it.
No signs of leakage or white chalky material.
I will start keeping a better eye on it.
No signs of leakage or white chalky material.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,919
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Puking is where the coolant reservoir overpressures and relieves out the cap (in excess of 16 psig). The expelled liquid is the puking. The coolant dries and the additives, minerals, etc in the coolant dry to a chalky white material.
If you do not see evidence of puking and you really are continually losing coolant level, then the issue is most likely an EGR cooler leak.
You can get run your truck and get it warm. Park it on a downslope (hood end is lower), then pull the EGR valve to see if there is any wetness. this is one check for a leaking EGR cooler.
If you do not see evidence of puking and you really are continually losing coolant level, then the issue is most likely an EGR cooler leak.
You can get run your truck and get it warm. Park it on a downslope (hood end is lower), then pull the EGR valve to see if there is any wetness. this is one check for a leaking EGR cooler.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Puking is where the coolant reservoir overpressures and relieves out the cap (in excess of 16 psig). The expelled liquid is the puking. The coolant dries and the additives, minerals, etc in the coolant dry to a chalky white material.
If you do not see evidence of puking and you really are continually losing coolant level, then the issue is most likely an EGR cooler leak.
You can get run your truck and get it warm. Park it on a downslope (hood end is lower), then pull the EGR valve to see if there is any wetness. this is one check for a leaking EGR cooler.
If you do not see evidence of puking and you really are continually losing coolant level, then the issue is most likely an EGR cooler leak.
You can get run your truck and get it warm. Park it on a downslope (hood end is lower), then pull the EGR valve to see if there is any wetness. this is one check for a leaking EGR cooler.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
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From: Middleburg, FL
Just like Bismic, I've noted a sizeable fluctuation in my coolant level. One time it'll be at the min mark and one time it will be a quart or two below the min mark and then another time it will be back at the min mark. If you're not noticing any white smoke out the tailpipe or white chalkly residue around the resevoir cap, I'd recommend keeping any eye on it. See if it continues to drop. If it does, then follow Bismic's advise and place the rear of the truck on an incline then pull the EGR valve and look for signs of coolant in your intake and go from there.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
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From: Middle Tn.
Depending on driving cond., temp., and a few other conditions, my level will vary almost a full inch but always comes back to the min. line after a good drive and cool down. I have come to consider this condition normal due to fluid expansion and expansion and contraction of the soft parts. Such as rubber hoses etc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2006
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Just an observation but from the coolant tank pic, it looks like your brake fluid resovoir could stand a tad bit more fluid.
DSMMH
DSMMH
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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rayezra -
That is a MIGHTY CLEAN engine you have - Where is all the dust and dirt?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
That should be flushed every 3 to 5 years depending on condition. Mine is still clear but will be totally replaced in Jan. with prestone synthetic.
