Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Coolant loss

[ROADWARRIOR]

I always have had the coolant level in my overflow bottle at the add mark when the engine is completely cold(over night). I have noticed that the level has dropped about 1. 5 inches in the last 3000 miles. During this time, I have been plugging in the block heater as well. I had the system flushed this past spring and hadn't noticed this until the last couple of months. Does anybody else ever have their reservoir drop at times. I thought that mine was last winter, but it never did over this past summer. The oil looks good and I can't find any leaks.



Thanks,

Dan

 

[LSMITH]

The block heater does consume some coolant. I have noticed it too when I used to plug mine in. Just keep an eye on it and sample the oil at the next change to rest at ease that it is not a headgasket.

 

[Tom G]

Well Me To

Hi All:



My coolant level drops from about 1/2" to 1" during a normal 5,000 mile service interval. Have never seen any coolant coming off the engine or any oil contamination. Has been this way since day one as far as I can remember.



Botton line for me is I keep the coolant level at the mid-point when the engine is cold and usually add maybe a cup or two when changing the oil and filter. I would guess that this is normal evaporation.



Have never used the block heater since it rarely if ever gets that cold here in Lake Havasu City. Now if they could just come up with an engine block COOLER for the summer time ... LOL

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Just wondering if anyone else has any input on this? Was thinking of taking it to the dealer for a pressure check before the motor warranty expires this year. Talked to PDR tonight and they said this is not normal.



TIA

Dan

 

[Oil Burner]

Roadwarrior,

My coolant level drops when I run the block heater. It is real cold right now so I have lost a little this winter. I had a thermostat leak also, so I don't know how much I lost from that. I would say your coolant loss is about right. Just have your oil sampled at the next change so you don't loose any sleep.

-Jason

 

[Old Man]

I have experience the same. If my memory (I know everything, I just can't remember it all) is correct, I did not have this problem until I started using the block heater. Ifflem had a post that stated that when you plug in the block heater, it actually boils (again I'm going on memory) the anti-freeze. Maybe he will step in and share his knowledge. If that is the case, maybe evaporation is taking place. Just got back an oil sample that stated no anti-freeze in oil and I have checked all over the engine for leaks or stains. Later. OM.

 

[Mad Max]

For what it is worth...



My coolant loss was attributable...



TO ALL THINGS!



on the line from the radiator neck to the expansion tank, at the radiator, there was no clamp or fastener, I put a clamp from one of those "HELP" kits at Pep Boys on the hose and no more mysterious coolant loss.



Darndest thing.



Hope it helps ya.



MaX

 

[2-ND TIME]

Mine has been loosing coolant since new about 5 to 6 conservitor tanks in the first 150 KKm's one day in the first 24kkm's noticed that the tank was empty and rad was down several cups of coolant ,and about half a tank since had Cummins dye in it and nothing external and none in the oil in the annalisis. The sonservitor tank should keep the coolant for evaporating for thats is job!!! I think that it going lout the exhaust pipe is small quantities that it is being passed off as water vapor???