kpring

I'm losing coolant, maybe a half gallon a week out of my 2001 Jimmy v-6. Started by overheating coming back from a camping trip towing our pop-up. I pushed it too long and split the radiator end tank (I thought the cap would allow a "normal" overheating event -you know- breakdown on the highway and all that). I put in another radiator, filled it with plain water (not wanting to waste antifreeze until I knew there wasn't going to be anymore troubles). Still kept losing water though. A buddy who does his share of tinkering, said by running just water and having a thermostat (195) so close to boiling, maybe I am slowly boiling it out. So I flushed the system, changed the thermostat, and poured in a fresh batch of antifreeze, and while using the it today (wife's vehicle and I hardly drive it) there was a faint odor of antifreeze I could detect, and checking the radiator after it cooled enough for me to open it it it apparently is still losing it. I let it run last week for about 15 minutes to see if it was leaking and there wasn't and moisture on the ground anywhere. Any tips other than checking my head gasket? Any common problems that fit this scenario for an engine that has 120,000 and really no parts relaced yet on the engine.

larse.64

Check out your water pump with a mirror.
There is usually a brown dirtlayer underneath the bearing housing of the water pump if it have startet leaking.
Best Lars

MT-2500

Pressure test and or leak dye in coolant system is the best way to find leak.
Always check cold and warm and then hot.
And watch the engine oil for coolant in it.
Does it run hot on the road?
Is your rad cap good?
ANY LEAKING AROUND LOWER INTAKE GASKET OR HEATER HOSES?

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT

kpring

There isn't any antifreeze in the oil, I did get another cap,I'll check for water pump for leakage, As long as the coolant level is full it doesn't get hot on the road. A mechanic friend did say something about intake manifold gasket leaks. It is so dang tough to look at the block for possible leaks with all the crap that is on that engine. I just got to think with the faint smell of antifreeze when it is at running temp that there is an external leak, but nothing ends up on the ground. Could be it is evaporating off the hot engine before it hits the ground. I'll try to utilize the threaded port at the thermostat housing and install a air fill valve and pressure test it and see what happens. Thanks for the tips

MT-2500

Carefull with that air hose set up.
Or you will blow the rad and heaterr core.
Not over 18-20 lbs of pressure.

Some parts places will sell or rent or loan you a hand pump to fit on rad cap neck for pressure testing.
Good luck

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT

Wags391

Check around where your heater core is. If you smelled coolant in th cabin, then it could be a core leak. If your heater core is on the passenger side behind the dash, check the floor for moisture.