Damn it !!! Disappearing Coolant !!!

[whyzee125]

I have the opposite problem in my 96 LOL. Cold start misfires and intermittent white smoke with zero coolant loss :laugh:

 

[octanejunkie]

Would love to hear from [MENTION=100539]Mellemel[/MENTION] about what the problem & solution was. I'm apparently having the same symptoms as well. All of a sudden, my coolant levels were abysmally low - I'd had to put probably 3/4 to 1/2 gallon to refill the radiator and the reservoir. Then I'd drive, keeping my eyes on the OBD readings for coolant temp, where it would stay constant at about 190F for 100mi (climbing up to Lake Tahoe, about 7000ft elevation gain (if that makes a diff). After stopping, I'd open up the hood to check on the reservoir - looked the same as before. No weird exhaust, no leaks onto the ground. Then overnight, I'll check the engine bay again in the morning, then lo and behold, the reservoir level went from right between the high and low marks, to the lowest end of the low mark -losing probably around 250ml, or half a pint. I'd check the ground again to find no leaks.



Furthermore, in my case:

2000 4runner 6cyl

no white exhaust

dipstick & oil cap looks not milky

nothing dripping onto the ground

radiator cap looks good



any pointers would be greatly appreciated

Pressure test your cooling system

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[wangissimo]

Following up on this, the problem eventually became more obvious. Even though I didn't seen any evidence of leaking even after I was missing coolant, at some point the radiator started to leak. So, good news is that it wasn't the head gasket, and instead is a just a moderately priced radiator replacement.

 

[Sarki]

Following up on this, the problem eventually became more obvious. Even though I didn't seen any evidence of leaking even after I was missing coolant, at some point the radiator started to leak. So, good news is that it wasn't the head gasket, and instead is a just a moderately priced radiator replacement.

If it’s just the radiator consider yourself fortunate as they’re easy to replace, easy to source and fairly inexpensive.

 

[Bad Luck]

Following up on this, the problem eventually became more obvious. Even though I didn't seen any evidence of leaking even after I was missing coolant, at some point the radiator started to leak. So, good news is that it wasn't the head gasket, and instead is a just a moderately priced radiator replacement.

A radiator is a lot cheaper and easier than a head gasket or cracked head. I’d recommend replacing the radiator cap when you replace the radiator.

 

[octanejunkie]

Nice

R&R the radiator, cap and both hoses every 100k. Might as well freshen up the coolant, too.

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