Coolant question

[GSchlegel]

I ran a search and couldn't find an answer, hope you all can help.



Today I noticed a couple drops of coolant under truck. This was a couple hours after some local driving. Checked and it appears to be coming from the overflow bottle. I have never had to add coolant, its always been between add and full. I did a quick look in the radiator, there was some pressure under the radiator cap as I slowly opened it. The coolant level was down 1 - 2 in. No sign of oil in the coolant in either the radiator or the recovery tank. I mentioned it to some friends and they thought it might be a weak radiator cap. I'm hoping its not a head gasket or something else very expensive. I appreciate any help you can give.



Thanks guys,

Gene

 

[Randy J]

They have radiator pressure testers, if you can get access to one. It screws in place of your radiator cap, and you pump up the pressure and wait to see if it bleeds down. If there's a leak in the system, you can usually hear/see where the coolant's coming from. If you do this, and the pressure doesn't leak down, then I'd replace the cap. Or if you can't find a pressure tester, just replace the cap - it's a cheap place to start.

 

[pwknapp]

Mine just did the same thing. Replaced the cap and it stopped. OH screwed up and put a lever release cap first, regular new cap worked fine.