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Re: Coolant loss? Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Wed, 4 Dec 2002 11:53:04
In Reply to: Coolant loss?, Tapani, Wed, 4 Dec 2002 09:46:11 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I don't think it's a heater core problem. I've never seen a heater core leak that didn't stink long before you saw any major coolant loss. It only takes a few molecules of coolant to tickle your nose, so heater core leaks usually start as minor weeping at microcracks.
In terms of mist on the windows, in general, if you can demist by hitting the AC (defrost mode, no ECON), then it isn't coolant. Coolant doesn't evaporate cleanly.
I think you have a nice, simple, minor leak somewhere in the engine compartment. You hear hoofbeats and are thinking expensive zebras, not horses. Go for the simple stuff, first.
First, take a screwdriver or nut driver, and tighten all hose clamps. I'll bet you find a half-dozen that could be tightened up a turn or two. When a car goes from cold to operating temp, there is a pretty major expansion of components, and an equal contraction as it cools off. In cold weather, there is an even bigger swing, and more movement. Over time, this movement 'wiggles' clamps loose.
Why no drips? When the engine is cold, the coolant system isn't pressurized, so there is little reason for coolant to find its way out of very small holes. As the system heats up, the pressure goes up faster than the parts expand, so a little coolant leaks out. When the engine is warm, the expansion tightens everything up, and the little leaks close. So there is a short 'window' of time when the engine will leak out *just a little* coolant. During this time the car is driving, so there are no drips on the ground, and the amount is small enough that it probably evaporates in the airstream. Do this for a while (how many months did it take you to drive 10K Km?)and even little leaks add up.
Look around for signs of evaporated coolant - white or green powder near the ends of hoses. But I bet that all you need is five minutes tightening up some clamps. The leak rate you seem to have is VERY slow.
As to Bars Leaks, I swear by it. I've been running it in my cars for years now with no coolant issues. It's been keeping a minor heater core leak in my '92 at bay for about three years now. It won't fix great gashes in the system, but it's very good preventative in a healthy system.
Good luck!
posted by 192.249....
, Wed, 4 Dec 2002 11:53:04 <-- Viewing This Message, Wed, 4 Dec 2002 14:20:43
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