Cannot find coolant leak

[DAVE K]

I have a 93 aerostar 3.0 auto.and the problem is it keeps going down on coolant and I cannot find a trace of a leak anywhere,(have anti-freeze)I did change the water pump however,no water or anti-freeze on floor,or outta tailpipe or windshield or under the van anywhere,nothing on dipsticks-except whats suppose to be.
It doesn't go down fast,maybe oh 2-3 qts. every 50-60 miles.It seems way to much to the point that I carry water.I'm pulling some hair out here and it's hair I can't afford. LOL.Kinda.

[danielsatur]

Consider Metallic block seal, so you don't have to chase down leaks.

[DAVE K]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Consider Metallic block seal, so you don't have to chase leaks down.

I have thought about it, however wouldn't there be some trace even a few drops
somewhere?but I guess it couldn't hurt though, just like to find where it's going.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by DAVE K

I have thought about it, however wouldn't there be some trace even a few drops
somewhere?but I guess it couldn't hurt though, just like to find where it's going.

Try and avoid adding anything if you can.
From my experience they tend to do more damage than good, and are only ever intended as a last resort get you home fix.



If it is missing from the radiator then it has to be going somewhere, and you will be able to find it.

Start by replacing the radiator cap. This may not fix the problem, but may instead make it bad enough to spot.
My car recently had a loose fitting on the radiator, but as the radiator cap was bad it never built enough pressure to show up easily.
When I replaced the cap, the leak became obvious.


Then clean the engine bay, it's possible the leak is hidden under a layer of road grime.

Next it's simply a matter of checking everything with a torch while the car is running.
If you can, put the car up in the air, on a hoist is best, but on axle stands will do.
Leaks are usually easiest to spot from underneath.
You may have to remove some under body trays etc.

Note, using a torch really does make a difference.

[tempfixit]

Moppie, I have not heard of the torch method before can you explain? Do you use the flame or with torch just on? Interesting?

Dave K, have you checked spark plugs for evidence of coolant being burned. Whiteish tips. Also have you done a compression test to see if head gasket is leaking?? Co you have any bubbles inthe coolant resorvoir or radiator?

[DAVE K]

=tempfixit;6882337]Moppie, I have not heard of the torch method before can you explain? Do you use the flame or with torch just on? Interesting?

Flashlight. I looked twice myself.

Dave K, have you checked spark plugs for evidence of coolant being burned. Whiteish tips. Also have you done a compression test to see if head gasket is leaking?? Co you have any bubbles inthe coolant resorvoir or radiator?

I admit I haven't checked the spark plugs(real pain in the *&# to get to)but I have no coolant in oil or at tailpipe or anything showing up in radiator tank.oil ,bubbles etc. found a few drops of tranny fluid on the driveway though.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

Moppie, I have not heard of the torch method before can you explain? Do you use the flame or with torch just on? Interesting?

Originally Posted by DAVE K

Flashlight. I looked twice myself.

The wonders of international forums


I can only imagine how much damage you could do with a blow torch

[DAVE K]

Originally Posted by Moppie

The wonders of international forums


I can only imagine how much damage you could do with a blow torch

Caught me off guard for sure,just for a second or two I wondered if I might find that gas leak

[PICKUP6772]

Dave,
It sounds to me like you might have a coolant leak in to the combustion chamber. You're not finding anything because it's burning right up with the fuel mixture. I would definitely have the cooling system pressure tested. Pump it up to about 18 LBS., and let it sit for about a half hour. If there is an external leak, it will rear it's ugly head. Also listen to the air cleaner intake tube, and the exaust pipe. If there are any leaks in those areas, you might hear a hissing, or bubbling sound coming out. One last thing to try is a dye kit. this gets added to the coolant. you let the van run until it gets hot, and the t-stat opens. From there you use an ultra violet light, and a pair of special goggles to look around the van. Where ever your leak is will light up like the fourth of July. I know this is a little wordy, but I hope it helps.

MIKE

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Moppie

The wonders of international forums


I can only imagine how much damage you could do with a blow torch

Flashlight did not even enter the mind. Just didn't make sense

[danielsatur]

Check the weep hole on top of the water pump.

[DAVE K]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Check the weep hole on top of the water pump.

Its a new pump,but I have though.But new don't always mean good.Actually rebuilt.