Losing coolant

lstinson · 12-05-2008, 04:10 PM

I have a 2002 dodge 1500. I am losing coolant from the plastic reservoir. Cannot see a visible leak anywhere and there does not appear to be any water in the oil, which would indicate a blown head gasket. However, there was a small crack at the neck of the reservoir where the cap screwed on, but it was repaired. Any suggestions on where it could be going?
Thanks, Lisa

mudseeker · 12-05-2008, 05:01 PM

the engine could be burning up the coolant before it has a chance to get to the oil.

bradrhale · 12-05-2008, 07:11 PM

what do you mean by losing it from the resevoir?? i am assuming that you have not verified that the resevoir is the culprit?? you might have a connection that is starting to leak a little or something leaking on top of the manifold that is evaporating the evidence.

75K30 · 12-05-2008, 08:10 PM

Can you smell burning anti-freeze? DO you notice any water at the tailpipe?
Some water in the exhaust is normal, but you should be able to smell burning coolant if there is a problem.
How much anti-freeze are you losing?

see error · 12-06-2008, 08:19 AM

headgasket seeping into a cylinder?

lstinson · 12-06-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75K30

Can you smell burning anti-freeze? DO you notice any water at the tailpipe?
Some water in the exhaust is normal, but you should be able to smell burning coolant if there is a problem.
How much anti-freeze are you losing?

Yes, you can smell it. And yes, there is water coming out of the tailpipe and excessive smoke, which just started happening. I am losing all of the anti-freeze in reservoir in about 2 days time. On start ups the smoking is worse. After driving for approx. 15 minutes it reduces.

lstinson · 12-06-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75K30

Can you smell burning anti-freeze? DO you notice any water at the tailpipe?
Some water in the exhaust is normal, but you should be able to smell burning coolant if there is a problem.
How much anti-freeze are you losing?

Also, I have put gas treatment in my tank, would that cause excessive moisture, causing it to smoke??

bradrhale · 12-06-2008, 04:52 PM

if you have that smell, you are burning it somewhere wether it be on top of the manifold or there at the heads. if you are still smoking after it warms up, i would lean toward a head gasket or intake gasket.

jester · 10-25-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradrhale

what do you mean by losing it from the resevoir?? i am assuming that you have not verified that the resevoir is the culprit?? you might have a connection that is starting to leak a little or something leaking on top of the manifold that is evaporating the evidence.

How did the crack get in the tank in the first place? You could have a bad head gasket that is compressing the air into the cooling system and subsequently cracking the tank. That could explain everything...

bradrhale · 10-25-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jester

How did the crack get in the tank in the first place? You could have a bad head gasket that is compressing the air into the cooling system and subsequently cracking the tank. That could explain everything...

not possible. the radiator cap opens at 8 to 14 psi and releases into the overflow tank. this allows for expansion of the coolant from cold to hot.

12-05-2008, 04:10 PM	#1
lstinson Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 4	Losing coolant I have a 2002 dodge 1500. I am losing coolant from the plastic reservoir. Cannot see a visible leak anywhere and there does not appear to be any water in the oil, which would indicate a blown head gasket. However, there was a small crack at the neck of the reservoir where the cap screwed on, but it was repaired. Any suggestions on where it could be going? Thanks, Lisa

12-05-2008, 05:01 PM	#2
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	the engine could be burning up the coolant before it has a chance to get to the oil. __________________ i'd rather be hunting Last edited by mudseeker; 12-05-2008 at 08:17 PM. Reason: wrong word

12-06-2008, 08:19 AM	#5
see error Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: tallahassee, fl Posts: 161	headgasket seeping into a cylinder? __________________ 2004 gmc 1500 cc 4x4

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12-05-2008, 07:11 PM	#3
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	what do you mean by losing it from the resevoir?? i am assuming that you have not verified that the resevoir is the culprit?? you might have a connection that is starting to leak a little or something leaking on top of the manifold that is evaporating the evidence.

12-05-2008, 08:10 PM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Can you smell burning anti-freeze? DO you notice any water at the tailpipe? Some water in the exhaust is normal, but you should be able to smell burning coolant if there is a problem. How much anti-freeze are you losing?

12-06-2008, 04:52 PM	#8
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	if you have that smell, you are burning it somewhere wether it be on top of the manifold or there at the heads. if you are still smoking after it warms up, i would lean toward a head gasket or intake gasket.