Honda Coolant Top-offs

[jackkpts]

I have a 2006 4cyl Accord and 2005 Honda Pilot. Both have about 30K miles on them and were bought 2 years ago. I have had to top off the coolant a few times, adding about 24 ounces in total to each vehicle. Is this normal? Does a small amount of coolant evaporate over time? I did have a oil analysis done on the Accord at 27.7K and there was no mention of coolant in the oil.

In the past I have had my oil changes done at Valvoline, but after a few problems, decided to do these services myself. So I have no experience with adding coolant to other cars as this was done by the Valvoline guys.

Thanks for your help.

 

[wcbcruzer]

Maybe the correct level is lower than you think and the coolant you're adding ends up in the reservoir bottle. I only use Honda coolant in our Accord.

 

[jackkpts]

I too only use the Honda Type II coolant. And I have only added coolant to the reservoir bottle, not to the radiator. Only added to bring to the mid-point of the markers.

 

[wcbcruzer]

As the cooling system cools off after you shut off the engine, if there's any air in the system it'll contract and create a vacuum, which would suck fluid up from the reservoir bottle. That way it keeps the cooling system full of coolant. If you don't see any puddles in the garage, I say your cars are fine. Some coolant will evaporate over time I guess. When it's hot under the hood, the gas can escape from the lid of the reservoir bottle since it's not air-tight. I can't think of any other reason. I've had to add coolant to cars many times in the past.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Both my 2001 Civic and 2005 CR-V looked "low" in the coolant bottle straight from the factory. Like, no coolant in there low. Radiator was always full when checked cold, however. Never leaked (yet) and never overheated, no coolant in oil.
And, when I changed it on the Civic, I used Peak Global Lifetime per the experience of some people at BITOG. No problems to date.

 

[gfcrane]

Two years ago I had a coolant loss problem with a Subaru. No water in the oil but episodes of coolant loss over a one year period of about a liter. Several visits to the dealer proved fruitless so I finally bought their outrageously expensive OEM radiator cap and the problem was immediately and permanently solved. This sounds maybe similar to your problem.
The dealer wouldn't reimbure me for the thing either.

 

[posty]

I am losing an oz or two of coolant a week from my Honda CRV. Cant find a leak anywhere. Im taking it to the dealer to see if the can find where it is going. With such a small loss im not hopeful.