Coolant diappearing and reappearing lower than usual.
Asked by Alphard_845 Jan 17, 2017 at 03:24 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Extended Cab RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I fill up my coolant and notice it goes away in two days. It will then come
back but its not as full. IS there a leak somewhere? If not, how do I know
when to fill the coolant since it comes back.
I've had to refill my coolant 3 times this month. I do not drive far distances.
Only 15 min to work everyday.
2 Answers
You check the level with cold engine. When the engine is hot is normal to be under the level, but you will still see it. Do not open the coolant tank after the engine was on, thus hot, the coolant may spill over your hand and burn you. After the engine is hot, wait to cool and check the antifreeze level. Complete if necessary. That's it. If you have to add more in time, than it's a leak. Does your car exhaust smoke look whitish or smell sweet? If so, it's a problem with the headgasket. If not, try to find a leak if you refill with a lot of antifreeze (more tha 300ml - half a litter/1.5 months). Antifreeze leaks are not that hard to find, check the hoses on the radiator, or on the heater, or the engine and look for white/look-like-mineral deposits.
Check the coolant level the following morning after the engine has all cooled down. Coolant expands when it get hot so there is more coolant in the reservoir when the engine is at operating temperature. When the coolant level is low, then the engine has cooled down and it sucked in the coolant from the reservoir. Check and add as necessary when cold.