Common amount of coolant loss?

[lone_wolf025]

I'm trying to gauge what's the average coolant loss between oil changes that most people see in our cars. I ask because I just changed my oil and the coolant level had dropped a bit below the plastic seam of the tank, just like the time before, and the one before that. Now I expect a little coolant loss here and there because no system is perfect, but about an inch drop in coolant every 3 months has me wondering what others see.

I'll be rechecking under the car this weekend, but as of last week, no visible leaks, occasional coolant smell but no confirmation so could be my imagination, no noticeable climb in temps. Idle seems a little rough, but probably not an issue seeing as how the tach barely twitches at idle.

And no this isn't another LIM thread...mine was replaced little over a year ago.

[WeibSunder]

0% coolant loss between oil changes.

[silvergtjrad]

You shouldnt ever see coolant go down. There is absolutely no way for it to go down except a leak.

[brim]

Originally Posted by silvergtjrad

You shouldnt ever see coolant go down. There is absolutely no way for it to go down except a leak.

unless you have an unequal balance of coolant and water which would result in burnoff

[juanvan]

Originally Posted by brim

unless you have an unequal balance of coolant and water which would result in burnoff

That most people have b/c they don't check the solution mix, get a tester to see where the coolant is at in the mix then adjust and see if you have any change

[lvemy3100]

bad cap... out the overflow tube.... leaking lim... head gasket... water pump.... any coolant hose... thermostat housing... TB... radiator...

and my fav cause it is happening to me... leaking coolant tank nipples from jackasses messing with my car before I owned it (fixing it this weekend... if i find the time since I have the tank already)

[lone_wolf025]

Somehow I doubt the mix is a perfect 50/50 due to me topping it off every so often with straight green stuff (the stuff you can mix with any color) so if anything its probably more coolant than water by a slight margin at this point.

Regardless, what I'm seeing here tells me what I kinda suspected: Be on the lookout for a leak. The sticky on coolant leaks mentioned a dye. Is this something I can find at the local parts store or is it a "specialty" item?

[slapnuts8725]

There is a weep hole on the water pump. It will leak some if the seal is bad. Had mine go out not to long ago. The pumps are cheap I want to say i payed $25 for it.

[lone_wolf025]

I remember hearing about the water pump, and actually when I do my inspection that's gonna be one of the spots I check.

[Panacea]

If it's the pump, I'd expect to see coolant sprayed over the passenger side of the hood.

[1/2dolla]

same here no drop of coolant level since last flush at least a year ago

[lone_wolf025]

I just went over the whole bay and underside yesterday. No visible leaks, no coolant smell. I'm tempted to bring it in and just have a flush done to ensure I have a proper mix and to have them check the cap while they're at it. Oil was good when I changed it last weekend. Heck maybe I'll even have em clean the fuel system while I'm at it...We'll see.

[drumking1721]

yea i havent had any loss....knock on wood. Replaced the pump when it was leaking and its great....speaking of which...i cant see the level in my reserve tank...anyone know the part # for a new one?

[1/2dolla]

Its a little hard to see the level for me also but if you hold a flashlight or maglight upto the bottom portion and shake it a little you can then see the level.. The part # is 22688945

[stewartfn18]

Originally Posted by drumking1721

yea i havent had any loss....knock on wood. Replaced the pump when it was leaking and its great....speaking of which...i cant see the level in my reserve tank...anyone know the part # for a new one?

either call your local gm dealership or there is a whole thread listing part numbers.

[lone_wolf025]

I swung by my mechanic and picked his brain today. He suggested to keep an eye on the level and if it drops again considerably, that I should bring it in.

Based on that advice I was going to top off the tank again to make sure its at a set level, but due to the engine still being hot I decided to sniff around. Well what I found now has me concerned...

On the driver's side of the motor, tucked all the way in under the t-stat housing, I saw something shiny. Upon further examination it appears to be a little puddle. Of what I don't know, but you can guess what I'm thinking... If it is the infamous LIM then that means it failed in about 14-15 months on the updated gasket...

[drumking1721]

Originally Posted by stewartfn18

either call your local gm dealership or there is a whole thread listing part numbers.

chill

[ryanbgb22]

Originally Posted by lone_wolf025

I swung by my mechanic and picked his brain today. He suggested to keep an eye on the level and if it drops again considerably, that I should bring it in.

Based on that advice I was going to top off the tank again to make sure its at a set level, but due to the engine still being hot I decided to sniff around. Well what I found now has me concerned...

On the driver's side of the motor, tucked all the way in under the t-stat housing, I saw something shiny. Upon further examination it appears to be a little puddle. Of what I don't know, but you can guess what I'm thinking... If it is the infamous LIM then that means it failed in about 14-15 months on the updated gasket...

it is possible that the gasket wasnt seated correctly when installed...

[lone_wolf025]

Possible.
Likely? I doubt it, but it could be anything.

In any case I cleaned out the area as best I could with a rag, and scraped up some greasy dirt. I did do some spraying with the hose last week when I changed my oil, so its possible that could've just been regular water.

In any case my coolant tank is topped off and the level marked with a marker on the side. Now I just drive it for a week and check it again, and keep checking til something happens.

[drumking1721]

If i was in that situation i would just replace them....but thats if you have the money right now. I know during my xmas break they're getting done