empty radiator overflow tank

[kblranch]

I was checking all my fluid levels as I am getting ready to take my driving exam for the "J" endorsment for towing trailers over 10000# and found the radiator overflow tank was dead empty. Anyone else had this happen? It has never had any fluid leaks in the driveway.

 

[jelag]

I think that the water can/will evaporite from this tank as its vented... my 04 goes through a gallon or so in the summer... I always put back distilled water... funny, checking the rad with a anti-freeze tester finds that the mixture doesn't seem to be getting any weaker... . I'm using a good optical tester for the antifreeze. .



Thats the best I can say... . if its leaking someplace on my 04, I can't find it... . you'd think you'd see the anti-freeze residue on the block... and smell it when the engine is hot and the hood is up...

 

[JStieger]

Anyone else had this happen? It has never had any fluid leaks in the driveway.

Yes, but I never knew the level I started with when I bought the truck. In-between off the lot and empty coolant tank discovery I also had the leaking coolant plugs on the passenger side of the engine above the exhaust manifold. I was pretty worried so for peace of mind I did an oil change and sampled the oil and coolant at the same time. The results were negative for any type of cross contamination. I then topped off the reservoir tank and marked the level cold and it has barely changed one way or the other.

 

[kblranch]

There isn't any water in the oil. What would be the symptoms of a blown head gasket be ?

 

[JApol]

The head gasket could be leaking into the cylinders and that would create a sweet smelling exhaust. Personally I wouldn't worry to much if you have had leaky freeze plugs. But if you fill up the radiator and resevior and notice again that it is disapearing then its time to start looking for a leak somewhere.

 

[kblranch]

Thanks for the replys. I am going to fill it in the morning and see if it stays full over the next couple of days.

 

[MMeier]

The plugs on top of my head would leak also until i cranked them down. Even then the level would drop off some. At 55k I flushed out all that orange stuff and went with Prestone, here 49k miles and 8 months later, the level is still the same !

 

[nickleinonen]

my level has been low since i first checked the overflow tank level but it seems to be at the same spot now, so maybe the factory cheaps out and ships them a little low...

i personally don't like the overflow tank system. i think the completely pressurized system with the expansion tank sealed with the pressure cap is a better system, but both seem to work.