dissapearing coolant... hope its not a head gasket

[domenico_169]

k well to start off i hope that this isnt a damn head gasket!!! whats happening is my coolant is dissapearing. there is no white smoke, and i did a pressure test today and no leaks, and when my car sits overnight there are no puddles. but i have to fill up my coolant like every couple of days cause my stupid coolant light keeps comnig on. oh and my car doesnt over heat during any of this. please dont tell me its a head gasket. anyone know what it is? thanks.

 

[rebuilt65]

radiator cap. replace that POS about every two years. I do it once a year.( i know, overkill., but better than head gasket or head) Also, you may be leaking coolant from the spot where that silver aluminum pipe goes into the waterpump. Check all hose clamps for tightness. (you've allready done that!) try this : when engine is cold, ie overnight, crank the car for about 2 minutes max. rev it a little to pressurize the system. then turn car off and look for leaks. that is how i found my leak.

 

[domenico_169]

yeah thanks guys ill replace the POS, even though i aint leaking fluid anymore, but whatever who knows, i just thank God that it wasnt my head gasket. and thanks for all the advice once again boys. dsmtuners is a damn savior. later.

 

[datsun510dude]

sorta the same thing is happeneing to my 1g TSi. I can ddrive for awhile (couple miles) before it starts to heat up and the coolant spills out of the overflow I think it may be the head gasket Or the water pump. I really dont know which one. Im not getting white smoke (well i did for a second but not much) so im not sure what to check next?

 

[Earley]

You can go to NAPA or a similar store, and buy a special dye that you put in your coolant and then after you run it for a while, go over the engine with a black light and any leaks of coolant should glow under the black light. Just an idea.

 

[domenico_169]

really? well thats pretty neat! i dont have the leak anymore, but do you happen to know what that stuff is called just in case this happens again. thanks

 

[Earley]

its just called "Radiator Coolant Dye" from napa. The part # is WHT 07815-SP.

 

[domenico_169]

cool thanks

 

[spcebrd]

Originally posted by datsun510dude
sorta the same thing is happeneing to my 1g TSi. I can ddrive for awhile (couple miles) before it starts to heat up and the coolant spills out of the overflow I think it may be the head gasket Or the water pump. I really dont know which one. Im not getting white smoke (well i did for a second but not much) so im not sure what to check next?

suonds like a thermostat problem