Coolant Problem.. Pls help

[hangcool_sir]

Hi all, I've just did an engine conversion to a b16a in 1992 EG civic. Just got a question. I topped up the coolant fully in the radiator and the reserve tank. It was at max. I drove it for a few days and the coolant level in the reserve tank dropped below min. Anyway, I topped up just the reserve bottle today. I did a bit of hard driving and when I came back to check, the coolant level dropped by about half. I dont notice any leaks at all under the car. I checked all the coolant hoses and everything seems to be fine. Any idea what the problem is ?? Is the coolant being leaked into my engine ??

[Boddingtons]

Leaking gasket? If coolant is getting in the engine you'll notice a creamy type scum on the dip stick and/or inside of the oil filler cap and/or pcv. If you're losing that much coolant it's going someplace, and if you don't see it outside it's gotta be inside....

[Boddingtons]

I should also add it may also be something less dramatic. It may just be the coolant filing up any air gaps in the system.

[hangcool_sir]

Thanks for the suggestion. Basically the engine was swapped out on wednesday and everything was topped up. I drove it for like 500 kilometres(not sure in miles) but I had to top up the bottle once.. and now its half empty again(between min and max). In regards to the milky stuff.. How much coolant needs to be leaked into the engine before seeing this scum ? Does the engine need to be completely cooled down... as in at least 10 hours.. before the scum builds up ?? I mean I only did 500 kms and filled it up once.. Not sure if there's enough coolant to even notice it. Cheers..

[BullShifter]

open the radiator when the car is cool & check the level. Did you add coolant after engine warmed up & then bled the air from the system. If not, thats why it keeps going down & will continue to drop until all the air is purged.

Not vey much coolant has to mix with the oil before you see the "milky stuff" - do a pressure check on the coolant system - for external leaks.

[hangcool_sir]

Ya.. i just opened the radiator cap.. coolant level is there is at max.. but in the bottle.. is just half.. basically 3 days ago.. have already topped up the coolant when engine is warm.. squeezed all the hosed and got rid of all the air inside.. despite that.. still dropping..

[BullShifter]

there should be a bleeder screw near the upper radiator hose where it connects to block - run the car until the fan comes on, then shuts off, & then open the bleeder screw until coolant flows out.

that would be my guess.

[hangcool_sir]

there should be a bleeder screw near the upper radiator hose where it connects to block - run the car until the fan comes on, then shuts off, & then open the bleeder screw until coolant flows out.

that would be my guess.



---What does the above do ??? u think coolant is leaking from the bleeder screw ?? ---

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by hangcool_sir

there should be a bleeder screw near the upper radiator hose where it connects to block - run the car until the fan comes on, then shuts off, & then open the bleeder screw until coolant flows out.

that would be my guess.



---What does the above do ??? u think coolant is leaking from the bleeder screw ?? ---

No i think there is an air pocket in the engine - cracking open the bleeder screw will remove the air - since the air will sit at the highest point of the cooling system.

If it was leaking, you should be able to see if it is coming from the bleeder

[hangcool_sir]

ok thanks.. i'll give that a go tomorrow.. hopefully i can find the bleeder valve.. after all, i did buy the front cut of the car.. and it must have been sitting there for a while.. i would guess some air pockets in there and perhaps some parts were dry.. but then again.. when the front cut came.. there was actually coolant in the bottle and radiator. on yeah.. one more thing.. when i unloosen the bleeder valve... how do i actually know there's air in there.. do i hear like some air being released or something ?

[BullShifter]

when you open(not all the way) the bleeder you will hear the air coming out, then once all the air is out coolant should start pissing out.

air may not be the problem(easiest to fix), it could be a cracked or warped head or blown head gasket.