Sometimes those caps will let some steam away.
Where does the coolant go?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Where does the coolant go?
Lately I have been noticing that the level of coolant in the overflow tank seems to drop...I keep adding a little bit and it continues to "find it's own level"...about 3 inches of coolant in the tank....In the past 6 months I have had installed a new heater core, water pump, radiator and all new hoses. I thought maybe I had a blown water jacket....but my oil is perfect....no evidence of water or coolant. Underneath the car.....perfectly dry...No runs, no drips, no errors. So what is ya'll's opinions???? 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
At one time the thermosat leaked a little (saw a small puddle of coolant accumulate in the recesses of the intake and/or a stain would be left behind). Tightened the thermostat down and no more puddles or stains. And the coolant level still continues to lower. One question that was posed...."Do I smell any coolant?" Yes...ever so-o-o-o-o slightly...occasionally. And when I do, I immediately look for ANY leaks...and see nothing.....
Last edited by vetteguy75; Dec 31, 2005 at 08:53 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
You could also have a small leak in your intake manifold gasket. This not that uncommon. Most leaks can be tested by using a pressure guage that replaces your rad cap. If the pressure guage doesn't show a large leak or none, then I'll recommend using 1 GM stop-leak tablet. Otherwise you'll need to install new intake gaskets.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Hi, I can offer my similar expereince, I used to add some coolant after every ride (70 350/vert). When I arrived home I would see that the overflow hose was wet from loosing some coolant on the ride. I purchased the R26 (15lb) replacement rad cap (compatible with aluminum system) and the car does not loose collant anymore. The car runs at a cool 180 degrees constant.
It may be worth a try!
It may be worth a try!
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From: Quincy IL
all good advice, get your vette all warmed up, coolant levels topped up in the rad and overflow tank, open the overflow tank and check the coolant for bubbles. if you have a steady stream of bubbles, the exhaust is blowing into the water jacket in the motor, it's head gasket replacement time. My 89 Suburban did this, had a 350 in it, and my 93 work truck, with a 454 has done this since new. I've told the mechanic and even showed him the bubbles, but they won't fix it. what happens is the radiator goes out, on my 4th radiator in 64,000 miles on a 1993 GMC 3500 utility bucket truck.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Home of WILD TURKEY
Originally Posted by Gary79
all good advice, get your vette all warmed up, coolant levels topped up in the rad and overflow tank, open the overflow tank and check the coolant for bubbles. if you have a steady stream of bubbles, the exhaust is blowing into the water jacket in the motor, it's head gasket replacement time. My 89 Suburban did this, had a 350 in it, and my 93 work truck, with a 454 has done this since new. I've told the mechanic and even showed him the bubbles, but they won't fix it. what happens is the radiator goes out, on my 4th radiator in 64,000 miles on a 1993 GMC 3500 utility bucket truck.
Last edited by THE ROOSTER; Dec 31, 2005 at 10:30 AM.