Disappearing anti-freeze - 1992 Ply Acclaim 4 cyl

1992 Ply Acclaim 4 cyl

Radiator is about 14 months old.

A few weeks ago the anti-freeze started leaking. It looses about 2 inches per day from the level in the reserve tank.

There is no puddle or dripping visible.

The oil looks like the normal color.

The exhaust seems to be normal in color and smell.

Where could it be going?

Reply to
Tom Del Rosso
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If the antifreeze isn't going on the ground then unfortunately it sounds like a bad head gasket to me.

Reply to
gsxr711

Blown head gasket, probably. Do a pressure check on each cylinder. Also, drain the oil and look at it - see anything that doesn't belong? The coolant is probably going into the oil. Head gasket replacement costs big bucks.

Reply to
Bob M.

As an aside to that.(antifreeze) Don't let your pets,dogs and cats,drink any antifreeze which has spilled on your driveway.It can kill them. cuhulin

Reply to
cuhulin

A small leak can be almost invisible, as it evaporates on the hot engine before you see it. Look/feel around the ends of the radiator hoses, heater hoses, thermostat housing, radiator seams, etc., first thing in the morning before you start it up. Any discoloration or wetness will be in the vicinity of the leak. Also, if the heater core is just starting to leak, the only clue can be a slight anti-freeze aroma in the car and/or a gradual build up of slime on the inside of the windshield.

Does it drop two inches and then stay at that level until you fill it back up? If so, check that the radiator cap is holding pressure and that the seal is good in the hose running from the radiator to the overflow tank. A bad cap can let too much into the overflow tank and some of it will overflow the overflow (and out onto the ground) while driving. Its already gone when you stop, so you don't see it. When it cools and draws back into the radiator, the level in the overflow tank will drop by the amount it blew out the top.

Reply to
E Meyer

  1. As others mentioned it may not be leaking while cold. Consequently the fluid could mostly evaporate when the engine is warm. Look closely around all hose connections, etc., for any evidence of residue.
  2. The expansion tank itself may be leaking. Over time some of the plastic tanks develop micro cracks that open up slightly under pressure and leak but look fine when cold. It took two months to figure this out on one car.
  3. The heater core may be leaking. You should be able to smell the coolant in the car and the interior windows usually fog up a bit and the fog doesn't go away with defrost on.
Reply to
John S.

Clean the engine and radiator real good then run the car and check for leaks while ideling and warmed up.

Reply to
scott21230

The smell of anti-freeze evaporating on a hot engine is unmistakeable. Open your hood while the engine is hot and take a big whiff. You'll smell it if it's evaporating.

I had the same problem in my car, and every so often while driving I would faintly smell burning antifreeze. The smell got worse with the heater turned on. It turned out to be a tiny crack in the heater core return hose.

Reply to
Gohan Ryu

Check the water pump. Look at the bottom of the water pump for stains from leaking coolant.

Reply to
Mike

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