What happens if you lose coolant with no visible leak?
What happens if you lose coolant with no visible leak?
Finally, there is a chemical test kit that shows any combustion gases getting into the coolant – fluid changes color. Most likely loss is the heater core. 2 qts per 400 miles would not even be noticeable in the dry West, other than a coolant smell or maybe slight fogging on a very cold, wet morning.
Can a 5.3L Vortec leak hot coolant?
You may never see a small leak when the engine and coolant is hot because it evaporates immediately after it leaks. The 5.3L Vortec has a dry intake manifold therefore the leak cannot be there. I finally sent an oil sample to Blackstone Labs ( http://www.blackstone-labs.com ) and they confirmed that I had coolant in my oil.
Can a car lose antifreeze without a leak?
Monitoring its level and condition is a part of the regular maintenance of the vehicle. Generally, there should be a leak somewhat if the vehicle is losing a high amount of antifreeze. However, a car could be losing coolant but no leak. What should you do when coolant disappearing from reservoir without leaving any trace?
Where to look for coolant leak in engine?
Likely you have a lower intake manifold gasket leak — it is a “valley gasket”. It is an relatively easy DYI job. Also look for any evidence of drying coolant on the back of the engine near the “valley”. I forgot to include in my initial post that in addition to the cooling system pressure test, I did use tracer dye.
When do you lose coolant, but no leaks?
It may be happening only when the car is hot when you drive and the coolant is under pressure. Try checking it when it is hot, under pressure and while the engine is running. BustedKnuckles July 6, 2016, 2:02am #8 The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks.
What happens if you lose antifreeze with no apparent leak?
Losing Antifreeze With No Apparent Leak. Whenever a vehicle loses antifreeze, also known as coolant, the usual expectation leads the owner to check for evidence of leaks at all the coolant connections and components. Obvious coolant leaks can usually be found in the form of puddles left on the pavement.
You may never see a small leak when the engine and coolant is hot because it evaporates immediately after it leaks. The 5.3L Vortec has a dry intake manifold therefore the leak cannot be there. I finally sent an oil sample to Blackstone Labs ( http://www.blackstone-labs.com ) and they confirmed that I had coolant in my oil.
Can a coolant pressure test show no leaks?
The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks. Since the leak is not external, it may be getting burned. Maybe the intake gaskets leaking again?
