Car using coolant?!?

[96N/TalonLP]

Over the past 2 or so months, my car has started to act a little funny. I noticed about two months ago that my coolant level was almost empty, so i filled it up. Since then, my car has used about 1/3 to 1/2 gal. of coolant. Some things that I have noticed are that it always seems to smell like coolant being burned no matter how far I drive. When I first start it up to let it warm up, it warms up like usual, then the temp gauge is in the normal operating temp area after a about 10 min. But then as I start driving, the needle goes up 3/4 of the way, and then a few seconds later it drops down below normal temp, and then i start to smell coolant. Also just before this happens, my belt usually starts to squeek really bad, then stops after then temp goes back down. I am assuming this is when my thermostat opens, although I know this has nothing to do with my belt squeeking. My car then stays at normal temp for how ever long I drive it. It never smokes white, but it does seem to be running just a tad bit odd, nothing serious, just not completely normal. So basically im wondering where all this coolant is dissappearing to?? Ive checked under my car, and it doesnt seem to be leaking...so im pretty stumped.

 

[Rex2342]

The belt squealing could be being caused by a water pump on it ways out or one of the other accessories going bad.It could also be a worn belt As far as the lose of coolant that could be either the water pump leaking, or a blown head gasket. Check your oil for any signs of coolant contamination. Also check your spark plugs for any signs of coolant being burned. If there is coolant being burned the electrode should have lots of tiny white specs on it. The temps are probably staying normal due to the colder weather

 

[96N/TalonLP]

Thanks for the fast reply, im really hoping its not the head gasket, my step mom owned the car before me, and had the head gasket replaced at around 40,000 miles. The car now has just a tick over 100,000 on it. What exactly am i looking for when checking to see if there is any coolant contamination in the oil. Ive heard there will be a white film in the oil, but im not exactly sure.?

 

[Rex2342]

There could be a film or it could seem kinda runny. If there is coolant in your oil or oil in your coolant you should be able to tell relatively quickly. Oil in your coolant is easier to detect because the coolant will turn a nasty green color and be thick. The most sure fire way to check for a blown head gasket is to do a carbon test. Most auto parts stores carry a kit you can do yourself and most any garage will have ways to check it also.

 

[evilredGS]

If there is oil in your coolant, it will float to the top and sometimes (but now always) you will be able to check this by your reserve. On a side note, it tends to turn into sludge if it mixes with coolant.

I agree on the water pump theory. Sounds like it could be going out. There could also be a small leak somewhere spilling coolant on a heated area. That might help to explain the smell. On the other hand, maybe its just the pump getting hot (and possibly a bad gasket/seal)