Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) OH OH its drinking!

[AKAMAC]

I was going to install injectors, EZ, today; I steamed the engine and I noticed that coolant level was not there. I had'nt checked it since last oil change (5K mi. ) now I need some input about possible causes. The gods must be smiling on me to have this happen before mods. 60K on truck so warranty is intact.

Any ideas so the warranty center I take it to won't just fill and hope for the best.

Also any dealers in Bay Area worth their weight on diesel repair?

The temperature has never gotten above 200.

Mike

 

[Motorhead]

This seems to be a common concern. My '01 did the same thing and I too got scared that I had a problem. Top off the coolant tank COLD and mark it where you fill it to. Be sure that when you recheck the coolant that you are at the same conditions as when you topped it off. Mine has done this twice and the last time I topped it off, I rechecked it later and it was over full. I hope you don't have a problem. The cooling systems are BIG and they seem to vary coolant levels. How much did you add to bring it up to level???

 

[AKAMAC]

Didn't add any. The level was about 1" lower than the radiator cap when I opened it. I didn't want to add if there was a warranty issue.

I actually watch the gauges when I drive so any problem: ie:temp would have caught my attention.

Have you lost any coolant since addition?

I want to add the warranty killers but don't want to pay for a REAL warranty issue.

Thanks Mike

 

[LSMITH]

Another case for checking things over when you fuel the truck, then it is always at operating temp and trends are noticed before big scary looking problems are thought to be at hand. One minute under the hood while you are waiting for the tank to fill is time well spent... .....



First thing to do is get the oil analyzed, see if the coolant is leaking internal to the engine so you can have an idea if any damage occured. Coolant will thrash the oil in a hurry, depleting the additive package leading to deposits and improper lubrication.



Also get under it with a GOOD flashlight and look for streaks coming from the head/block line, and all of the freezeplugs and plumbing.



Unless your dealer is super good you are going to get a "could not duplicate problem" slip and sent home. They could care less if there is not a code set or a freakin puddle of coolant to look for. Troubleshooting just does not pay for the techs after a quick glance, so they don't do it.

 

[TomGolden]

My 2001 1/2 did the same thing on me, after about 10K miles. Scared the living out of me, I'll tell you. I previously owned a 6. 9L Ford diesel, and I lost the engine TWICE due to coolant cavitation :{ so any time I suspect a coolant problem I get very nervous.



I posted here about it, was assured it was normal for the newer trucks to "suddenly" show a loss of coolant in the resevoir bottle. I topped it off, and have never had the issue reoccur.



Tom

 

[WadePatton]

Me same as Tom G. Mine consumed a little coolant between 50-60k miles on the clock, but I haven't added a drop in the last 20k. It's at 83 or 84k now.



Analize the oil, change the coolant, and see if it happens again.

 

[AKAMAC]

Thanks for the input I'll have the oil analyzed, change coolant and wait a little bit before taking warranty out of picture. This site is worth every penny

 

[jrobinson2]

Mine seemed to burp quite often at first but gradualy quit by about 75,000 miles.

Jared

 

[jgil104]

coolent leak

mine was looseing coolent checked tech manual than checked weep hole on the wtr/pump bingo this was at 58'000

mech was impressed how eazy it was to change [remove serpentine belt and pull two 10mm bolt and out it comes]

 

[AKAMAC]

I like the burp thread

I did check the weeper first, thanks, I did'nt stop to think that towing in 105 ambient with load that the engine finally got warm. The level has'nt dropped and I will now relax and enjoy the worry free truck I bought.

Thanks Mike

 

[mhenon]

Weep hole

Don't want to change the subject tooo much, but where in the hell is that weep hole we're supposed to look at. I don't have any problems with the truck but have tried to take a peek at the weep hole and just can't find it.



Thanks..... Mike

 

[John]

The weep hole is on the bottom side of the water pump... at the front. It can be seen from beneath your engine looking up from below with a flashlight.

 

[crobertson1]

Coolant loss

I've had to add to my resevoir 3 times. Each time the level in the res. was about an inch or two below the full mark. Any cause for alarm? Its got 40k on it now.

 

[jrobinson2]

crobertson1

That sounds about what mine was like the first couple years, it kept using less and less until around 75000 miles and now doesn't use any.

Jared

 

[jeepmodman]

mine did that once except it wasnt an air pocket, the head gasket was blown in 7 spots.

Good Times!

 

[AKAMAC]

cracked head gasket?

Steve, how much coolant were you using?... ... ... How long did you run before you found out?... ... ... . Did you show signs of coolant in oil?... ... ... How did you test the head gasket?

Now I be thinking

Thanks Mike

 

[SOOT]

My Mom's 99 did the same thing for the 1st 60 -70,000 miles then quit using it, so I quit worrying about it.



Our cooling systems hold 6 GALLONS yes 6 GALLONS of coolant. Talk about pricey when you want to have it flushed and changed.

 

[crobertson1]

Jared, thanks, that helps ease my mind a little.

SteveOlson, was your truck already BOMBED when your head gasket went south or stock? Thanks guys.

Craig