Comments on: Losing Coolant But No Visible Leaks? (Here’s What to Do)

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 20:10:27 +0000

In reply to Ed C. That's a good question, and I'm not sure about that. I would not expect the UV dye to show up in the exhaust, even if you were losing coolant this way. Combustion may change the properties of the dye, and the carbon from the engine could also cover it up.

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 19:57:12 +0000

In reply to Tawni. Sometimes coolant only disappears when the system is pressurized. You can try doing a radiator pressure test to see if you lose any coolant while the system is under pressure.

By: Ed C

Ed C — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 20:27:15 +0000

I have an undetectable leak in a 2017 Ford Expedition. I think it is a very slow leak as there is no puddles or drips (I removed all the under engine covers) until the coolant level gets too low and the pressure valve pops. The engine temp still looks normal but the coolant level is low. Once I refill the coolant, no more leaking and all runs normally. This took about 1 year to manifest itself.
Question: If I use the UV leak test fluid, if the coolant is leaking into the cylinders due to a bad head gasket, will the UV show up at the exhaust? If I hold a black light at the end of the exhaust pipe, will it still show after being burned off??

By: Amanda Morales

Amanda Morales — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:39:39 +0000

In reply to Virgilio yanez. Hey, did you find out what was the problem? I have a 2014 dodge grand caravan and I have been having overheating issues since I got the van. We will fix something and then a few months later the whole problem will start again. It's upsurde to me...

By: Tawni

Tawni — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:58:34 +0000

I really could use some help. Our 2017 Ram 2500 coolant is disappearing fast. No visible leaks on the ground, no coolant in the oil (this was confirmed by two different mechanics) oil was changed, water and no additional fluid. NO unusual exhaust and NO steam/clouds coming from anywhere in the engine. It’s not the headgasket. The engine is not overheating at all it’s maintaining a temp of 192.2 F. We have driven the truck from Florida to California adding several gallons of coolant. No issues other than having to pull over every few hours and add coolant.
We have ruled out every item on this list… are there any other causes you didn’t mention? This is crazy. Thank you for your help

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:20:28 +0000

In reply to Youlanda. What was wrong about the installation?

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:15:18 +0000

In reply to Kc. How often are you adding coolant, and how much do you need to add? It's hard to give more specific help besides what is already in the article, given that information.

By: Youlanda

Youlanda — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:53:27 +0000

In reply to Nate. How does a radiator thats installed wrong affect a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

By: Kc

Kc — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:35:50 +0000

I have a Chevy avalanche 04, I keep adding coolant but it’s disappearing, and I see no leaks. Help?

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:28:08 +0000

In reply to Barbarann Lacay.

Yeah, you shouldn’t be losing coolant. Sometimes coolant evaporates with little to no trace. Sometimes you’ll see white streaks near the source of the leak. They make a special dye you can put into the coolant to help you trace leaks.

Check all hose clamps and fittings to make sure they are tight. Look around the radiator filler neck to make sure you don’t see any white streaks. Check the bottom of the radiator as well.