1988 Coolant issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: East Windsor New Jersey
1988 Coolant issue
Having an issue with my coolant system and I hoping someone might have some advice. Basically the low coolant light is coming on periodically. Very odd, however, as it'll come on in the morning when I first start her up, the light will go low and eventually go off. I've done a search and know about the burping once you do a radiator flush, which I've done. Going to burp it this weekend as well as replace the radiator cap (which is the original one). Problem is the reservoir is continuously empty. The radiator remains full but this last time I had to fill the reservoir twice in one week. Which kind if tells me there's a leak. But after looking I'm seeing nothing, no leak, no residue. Engine never overheats. I get a slight smell of coolant but only when I pick the hood up and even then it's very faint.
Again, car runs great with no overheating and radiator has been full when I've checked.
Anyone have this issue before? If I am losing coolant, where's it going? I was considering getting a stop leak and a new cap, maybe even replacing the reservoir if those two things don't solve the issue. I'm not thinking head gasket but honestly, I'm not so mechanically experienced with corvettes to know for certain.
Thanks to all.
Chuck
Again, car runs great with no overheating and radiator has been full when I've checked.
Anyone have this issue before? If I am losing coolant, where's it going? I was considering getting a stop leak and a new cap, maybe even replacing the reservoir if those two things don't solve the issue. I'm not thinking head gasket but honestly, I'm not so mechanically experienced with corvettes to know for certain.
Thanks to all.
Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Chuck, a simple test to check for leaks is to pressurize the system. Any radiator shop can perform the test, and may do it for free.
They may add a dye to the coolant that will show a leak under ultraviolet light.
Getting a new cap will reduce one leak source.
They may add a dye to the coolant that will show a leak under ultraviolet light.
Getting a new cap will reduce one leak source.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Sounds like theres a leak under high pressure, so it'll only leak coolant when the engine is hot. You'll have to inspect closely with the engine running and it being hot, then maybe you'll see it. Look at the connection to the WP closely. I once had a pinhole leak on the front of the radiator down at the bottom that was nearly impossible to see.
I would make sure to check the oil for coolant as well to be thorough.
I would make sure to check the oil for coolant as well to be thorough.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: East Windsor New Jersey
Thank guys, I'm going to pretty much spend some time this weekend taking care of what I can on her. And I'll run it for awhile to take a look for any leaks. I also spoke with my mechanic who said the time the car was on the lift a couple of weeks ago they didn't notice any leaks (this was for the radiator flush and a couple other things). He also recommended reburping to see if that helps any. So I'll take it one step at a time. And I'll see how soon they can do a pressure test for me.
Thank guys! I'll update as I go.
Thank guys! I'll update as I go.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: East Windsor New Jersey
Well that didn't take too long. Did the reburp with my wife's help running the engine cold at 2000 RPMS letting the coolant flow through the radiator. Topped it off, replaced the radiator cap ... when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a nice faucet like leak coming from the water pump.
So it's obviously time for a new one. I'm not surprised though, as this car sat in a garage for 3 years and never moved (previous owner). That killed the transmission seals, ruined the torque converter, and gummed up the brake lines, so I'm kind of surprised I got this length of time from the water pump.
Anyway, thanks a lot guys for helping me out
So it's obviously time for a new one. I'm not surprised though, as this car sat in a garage for 3 years and never moved (previous owner). That killed the transmission seals, ruined the torque converter, and gummed up the brake lines, so I'm kind of surprised I got this length of time from the water pump.
Anyway, thanks a lot guys for helping me out
