Coolant Issues, Radiator Options

[01 Blue Shark]

I've had this issue with the coolant in the resevior emptying. I fill it up than a few day later it's empty, no leaks, although I do smell coolant from time to time, and a strong rubber odor. I'm in the process of replpacing all of the hoses, and
a radiator flush. There was one time that the temp gauge spiked, I turned on the heater (summer time no a/c on) them the gauge went down. That has not happened since then. Any ideas?

[montego]

if you are constantly loosing coolant it must be going SOMEWHERE are you sure you do not have any leaks? sometimes leaking water can dry up before you notice it. (if it is leaking on an area of the engine that gets very hot)

are the carpets wet?

(you could have a leak from the heater matrix)

you could also have a leaking head gasket.

it would be best if you got the cooling system pressure tested

[01 Blue Shark]

if you are constantly loosing coolant it must be going SOMEWHERE are you sure you do not have any leaks? sometimes leaking water can dry up before you notice it. (if it is leaking on an area of the engine that gets very hot)

are the carpets wet?

(you could have a leak from the heater matrix)

you could also have a leaking head gasket.

it would be best if you got the cooling system pressure tested

No wet carpets, I will have a pressure test done to see where the issue is, if not, I'll have the the others checked.
Heater matrix, head gasket.

Thanx

[byronguidry3732]

Dear 01 Blue,

When in doubt about a radiator leak, you need to look two places: Internal and external.

For the external, lay newspaper down on your garage floor or outdoor parking spot to cover about a 10 foot x 20 foot area. for outdoors, you will need to weight down the newspaper with small rocks or weights. Fill your radiator full and park your car over the center of the newspaper overnight. In the morning, mark your 4 tire locations on the newspaper and back the car out. Inspect for wet spots. Also, examine the radiator body with a flashlight front side and rear side to check for wet spots, greenish white stain, or leaves stuck to the radiator. For the hoses, run your hand up and down each hose with the engine not hot, warm is ok.

IF no wet spots, you need to check for internal leaks. Remove the oil dipstick and check for water bubbles or a milky white froth...this proves you have water leaking through the head gasket into the oil galleries. Remove the radiator cap and start the car. Does the car have difficulty starting like something is in the cylinder? this is water blocking the piston. Once the engine is running, inspect the radiator neck for bubbling that smells like exhaust. Also, sniff the tail pipe for a sickly sweet smell. These last 3 symptoms normally occur together. If present, you have a blown head gasket. A final test is to do a compression check of your cylinder head. This will tell you which cylinder or cylinders are leaking.

Byron

[Dragonmp5]

While your changing the hoses it wouldn't hurt to change the thermostat as well, just a thought.

[01 Blue Shark]

First I'd like to say, I'm glad that I've joined this forum. Everyone is very helpful and provide useful information.

@ Byron, I will conduct these tests and will give an update.

@Dragonmp5, I had not considered changing the t/s, but it makes since....why not.


Thanks again !!!