Losing coolant

[outoforder]

The level in my reservoir is a bit below the recommended cold fill line. Every time I fill it up, the level returns to the original position (week or two) I have not noticed any leakage on the ground and had my system checked for leaks at the garage and none was found. This has been going on for a year or two. Yes, this is probably not good for my baby, but since she has attained beater status, I am not over concerned. I have two questions:

1. Is there a problem with running the car with a coolant level lower then recommended cold fill range? I watch my temperature gauge and do not notice any increases.

2. The oil in the engine has about 1000 miles on it. If I sent a sample in for testing, would any abnormalities caused by coolant be detected?

 

[Papa Bear]

Year, make and model please.

 

[outoforder]

1997 Mercury Sable

 

[JHZR2]

running a UOA would provide you with indication of P and K, as well as water and glycol.

It could be anything from a slight crack in a plastic top of the radiator, a hose that has shifted and just drips a bit when real hot and under pressure (just went through that one myself), or could be an actual issue...

Best to see if its going into the oil. If so, might want to address. If not (and not going into the AT either), I might not worry about it as much...

 

[mattd]

3.0 OHV?

Timing cover is common failure, as are the heads (Cracks), headgaskets, and cracked cylinders. Heater cores as well.

 

[scott37300]

Just did a 2000 taurus 3.0 vulcan timing cover last week. Pretty easy job, just time consuming. I noticed the leak from under when I hooked the pressure tester up to it. Was dripping on the Y pipe and saw it coming from an inch or so to the left of the balancer.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: mattd
3.0 OHV?

Timing cover is common failure, as are the heads (Cracks), headgaskets, and cracked cylinders. Heater cores as well.


you beat me to it...

Add to that list, coolant tanks.

For the timing cover, looking at the engine from the passenger side, look to the left of center at the timing cover. They seem to leak most at the point nearest the converter.

 

[outoforder]

Took a gallon of water to fill back up to proper level. However, the engine was not running hot with the low level of coolant. Is this a problem worth addressing, or should I just wait until engine temperature becomes an issue?

 

[scott37300]

Originally Posted By: outoforder
Took a gallon of water to fill back up to proper level. However, the engine was not running hot with the low level of coolant. Is this a problem worth addressing, or should I just wait until engine temperature becomes an issue?


If it was me I would try and track down the leak, when I know there is a leak I know there is a problem somewhere. If you had a hole in the side of your house would you just leave it because it's summer and wait till the cold air gets in in the winter or would you fix the problem you know exists? I would start trying to find the leak. Might not be soemthing that needs to be taken care of right away but you can start trying to find it.

As mentioned the places to check are water pump/timing cover on the passenger side of the motor, cylinder heads-there are a number of tests for this but this would be my last checks besides seeing if oil was milky, recovery tank-I just had to replace my cousin's because the bottom was cracked which is a common problem. I didn't realise it was leaking form there at first. When I hooked the pressure tester up to it I saw it leaking from the timing cover, then when I got it in the garage I hooked the tester up again and saw it was leaking from the tank also.

Think you can rent a pressure tester from most auto parts stores if you don't want to buy one. They are a really handy tool to have.

 

[outoforder]

Originally Posted By: scott37300
Originally Posted By: outoforder
Took a gallon of water to fill back up to proper level. However, the engine was not running hot with the low level of coolant. Is this a problem worth addressing, or should I just wait until engine temperature becomes an issue?


If it was me I would try and track down the leak, when I know there is a leak I know there is a problem somewhere. If you had a hole in the side of your house would you just leave it because it's summer and wait till the cold air gets in in the winter or would you fix the problem you know exists? I would start trying to find the leak. Might not be soemthing that needs to be taken care of right away but you can start trying to find it.

As mentioned the places to check are water pump/timing cover on the passenger side of the motor, cylinder heads-there are a number of tests for this but this would be my last checks besides seeing if oil was milky, recovery tank-I just had to replace my cousin's because the bottom was cracked which is a common problem. I didn't realise it was leaking form there at first. When I hooked the pressure tester up to it I saw it leaking from the timing cover, then when I got it in the garage I hooked the tester up again and saw it was leaking from the tank also.

Think you can rent a pressure tester from most auto parts stores if you don't want to buy one. They are a really handy tool to have.




Excellent points. Normally, it wouldn't even be a question for me. However, my car has officially been awarded "beater" status. I'm not actively trying to kill her, but I am more apt to band aid problems when necessary. Example: My rear main seal started leaking. Zero interest in investing the money to fix it so I started running Valvoline Max Life. Problem solved.... I checked my oil and it is not milky. My thinking is that if the engine temperature is not increasing, no damage is being done. However, I don't claim to be a gear so if my logic is faulty, please point it out.

 

[wiswind]

I would send a sample of oil in to blackstone labs......go to their website for a free sample/mailer kit and instructions.
THIS will tell you if you have coolant getting into the oil.
A timing cover leak can cause coolant to get into the oil....as can lower intake manifold gaskets (a failure often misdiagnosed as head gasket failure).

I is quite possible that you have a external leak that is simple and easy to fix, like the plastic overflow tank.....or loose hose clamp.......

It is best to track down the cause of the coolant loss.......while it is slow and NOT causing your motor to overheat.
This way, you can take your time.....and plan your steps to diagnose and what course of action you want to take.
If you wait for it to be worse.......worse could happen quickly and unexpectedly......having you sitting out on the road....which leave you with fewer options (and a tow bill).
Coolant often leaves a chalky residue....white, yellow, or green.
Look for something like that, as well as liquid that is not from the A/C drain tube.