2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission loosing radiator fluid

[dwstover]

I seem to be loosing radiator fluid and I can't find out where it is coming from. I see no fluid on the ground or anywhere on the engine in either hot or cold running conditions. I have had the radiator pressure tested and there seems to be no drop in pressure there either. The radiator drops in fluid level about 1/2 gallon after just 100 miles of pulling my 31 ft RV. I don't hear any extra engine noise or feel any loss of power as a result of a cracked head gasket. Any suggestion?

 

[Rattler]

Mine was doing this for a while. I finally found a leak between the tank and core of the rad. Randy

 

[Skydiver]

That's not a real small leak. You should smell antifreeze fairly strong. I would say that if you do not smell or see it then it has got to be going into the combustion chamber. I know by now you have checked you oil for antifreeze.
Next time you are at operating temp look inside plastic coolant bottle while the engine is running. Hope you see no bubbles. Bubbles bad.

 

[JCyrbok]

kinda of a big leak for this but check the weep hole on the water pump. had a water pump go on a recent trip and it was an expensive repair. like others have said if it is not going to where it should not be ie; you are not making oil and there is no oil in the coolant, then make sure you dont have a slow leak in a hose. also check your passenger side floor to make sure the heater core is not leaking.



Hope this helps



J-

 

[Bob Cochran]

I had a leak caused by the gasket on the thermostat and hard to see. A place to look to add to waht others have said.

 

[macdaddy]

I seem to be loosing radiator fluid and I can't find out where it is coming from. I see no fluid on the ground or anywhere on the engine in either hot or cold running conditions. I have had the radiator pressure tested and there seems to be no drop in pressure there either. The radiator drops in fluid level about 1/2 gallon after just 100 miles of pulling my 31 ft RV. I don't hear any extra engine noise or feel any loss of power as a result of a cracked head gasket. Any suggestion?

Question?

By any chance have you recently done a coolant change?. I remember my 99 would do this after changing the collant or system flush. It would use the same ammount, and sometimes not stop for weeks!



Mac

 

[dwstover]

Thanks guys, I have checked all your suggestions and still found no leaks. My next suspision is that there is a cracked head gasket leading into the chambers and the fluid is simply being vaporized out the exaust pipe. When I get back home, I guess I will go to a speed shop and have the head removed, milled and a new gaspet installed. Hopefully, this will fix the problem.

A mechanic suggested flushing the radiator and adding some kind of copper sealant stuff to the freshwater you put back in the radiator. This process requires several days and many radiator flushes, something I dont think I will be able to do while parked in an RV Park. Most parks don't allow any mechanical work to be done while in the park.

 

[ewcmr2]

Keep us informed on what you find. At 250k I had a similar coolant loss issue, oil analysis said some was getting into the oil. I just swapped in a good used engine and haven't investigated what was wrong with the original.

 

[georgej]

Don

I had a mystery leak and spent money and time much trying to find it to no avail. A friend that works at Dodge suggested a new radiator cap and it worked. Might work for you!

 

[JFought]

i had a small leak on the rubber hose between two metal tubes.
Right behind the exhaust manifold. gotta almost get on the ground on the passenger side to see the hose.

It took me forever to see because it drips VERy close to the evaporator drain, so you assume its that. It barely hit the side of the block just above the pan.

 

[PSpychalski]

Had a small leak on the right side of the head at the firewall... Antifreeze would leak out and evaporate on the block before it could drip on the ground. With your truck hot and shut off. squeeze the upper radiaror hose. Listen for air leak and look for a small amount of fluid. Good luck

 

[Bill Weber]

I am sure you have done it but check all your your hose clamps. Cold weather can make connections a little loose and will seal off as the temp (air or engine) warm up.



Bill Weber