How long does it take for coolant to evaporate?

[PandaBear]

I am in the middle of replacing the radiator, have taken it out since 4 days ago, and will be waiting for the replacement to come in about 7 more days.

I decided to fix my oil pan gasket as well since it will be down for so many days. So I pull the lower exhaust manifold out, and noticed a fairly fresh drop of coolant on it. Then I look up and noticed a small amount of green liquid (coolant) near the edge of the oil pan. I do not see any coolant stain that starts from the HG area, and the coolant stain near the oil pan gasket is also with engine oil leaks. Could the coolant be dried for a long time and the oil just dissolved it and keep the green?

Could the coolant be from the head gasket or the block drain bolt? The head gasket was replaced about 7k miles ago due to a warped head from overheating (pouring cold coolant into a hot radiator after the fan overheat, stupid me). How can I test if the HG is leaking externally?

I'm going to wash that area real good and check back in a few days. Have to clean the area before I install the oil pan anyways. The oil leak attracts so much dirt that it will probably take 1 whole bottle of Dawn Ultra to clean it up.

 

[The_Jeff]

It eventually does evaporate into a frosty white stain. At <50% humidity, 72 hours max I'd say.

 

[labman]

I think it takes ethylene glycol a long time to dry up at room temperature. Pour a little out on something non porous and let it set. Keep checking it and post back when it is gone.

 

[BearZDefect]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
It eventually does evaporate into a frosty white stain. ...


I concur with eljefino.

PandaBear, could those drops have splashed out when you removed the lower radiator hose, or could the upper hose connection point to the engine have dripped?

 

[PandaBear]

Sorry guys, I clean out all the oil leak grime and realized it is not coolant. It is my green VIN tag on the engine. That tells you how much dirt is on it and how much oil is leaked out, for how long.

Thanks guys.

 

[The_Jeff]

Don't apologize we love finding out the truth!