Loss of coolant

Only 10 minutes? That's not good. Should hold pressure overnight when using a pressure tester, or at least a few hours. Not minutes.

Suggestion... First wash everything off good. Next using that pressure tester, pump it up, and each time it drops off pump up again. You may have to do it a few times (five or six) then look for coolant, both on the floor and on the engine. Use good lighting, too. Very important.

Sometimes the crimped on side tanks on the radiator leak when cold but stop leaking when heated up. I have had some success crimping them tighter with vise grips.

Steve wrote in news:d8e7ebf4-47e8-4178-a3ff- snipped-for-privacy@n35g2000yqm.googlegroups.com:

Check the heater control valve. It's leaking on my 2002, and I think your year may use the same valve. If you don't know what to look for, it's inline with the heater hose going to the the fire wall and has a vacuum controlled valve. Mine only leaked above idle. I found the leak by smelling it and noting dried coolant on the valve. Had someone rev the engine while I watched and coolant leaked out. Replaced it and all's well.

My heater valve leaks only when the heat is set high. It's been that way for a long time but does not leak enough to worry about.

Thanks to all who responded. It looks like I have my work cut out for me. I'll try to keep everyone updated on my progress. Steve