Coolant Issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Coolant Issue
I had a coolant issue tonight. I am not sure, I may have to much fluid in there as I have recently filled it. I need to wait until morning to check it. After making a few passes I pushed coolant out the res tank cap.. What would cause this other than too much coolant in resivior. Its a new radiator also Be-Cool. The oil looks clean as could be... Thanks for any help...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
If you have overfilled it then it will have no where to expand but to go out the resivoir tank!
Take a look at the highest point of the leak and check the ground for the area and you should find it!
Make sure the cap is not cracked!
keep posted!
Thanks,Matt
Take a look at the highest point of the leak and check the ground for the area and you should find it!
Make sure the cap is not cracked!
keep posted!
Thanks,Matt
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Thanks Guys, I did not log the run I dont have software to be able to. I dont think its a timing issue? My last tune was pretty conservative, after the 3rd dyno run I was happy with the numbers and the tuner told me he didn`t even touch the timing yet and it had no knock. I told him to leave alone because I had reached my goals. So I think my timing should be resonable. Remember I know jack squat about tuning!!! I am throwing alot of alky at the motor and at 6500 my wideband is reading 11.3 top of 4th.
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day.
Any more advice would love to have...
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day.
Any more advice would love to have...
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,279
Likes: 1
Thanks Guys, I did not log the run I dont have software to be able to. I dont think its a timing issue? My last tune was pretty conservative, after the 3rd dyno run I was happy with the numbers and the tuner told me he didn`t even touch the timing yet and it had no knock. I told him to leave alone because I had reached my goals. So I think my timing should be resonable. Remember I know jack squat about tuning!!! I am throwing alot of alky at the motor and at 6500 my wideband is reading 11.3 top of 4th.
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day. Any more advice would love to have...
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day.
Any more advice would love to have...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Thanks Arun, I am greatful for your advice. I feel pretty good about not boosting the crankcase. I run the K&N breather cap and also run a catch can from cajun dude. I opened the bottom of the catch can and it is almost dry. I checked to see if I popped the dipstick out and did not, it is still secure. Gonna have to read up on the leak down test never done one before. When I saw the coolant last night I pulled the breather cap and there was no smoke coming out as many have seen with pressure in the crankcase. I think I will sleep better over the weekend if I pull the heads...
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,279
Likes: 1
Thanks Arun, I am greatful for your advice. I feel pretty good about not boosting the crankcase. I run the K&N breather cap and also run a catch can from cajun dude. I opened the bottom of the catch can and it is almost dry. I checked to see if I popped the dipstick out and did not, it is still secure. Gonna have to read up on the leak down test never done one before. When I saw the coolant last night I pulled the breather cap and there was no smoke coming out as many have seen with pressure in the crankcase. I think I will sleep better over the weekend if I pull the heads...
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Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,279
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
I have seen cars that leak down fine but lift the heads under boost and blow combustion pressure into the coolant.
For the record, the boost was much, much higher than you're running. More like 25-29 lbs.
I wouldn't pull the heads just yet. I would start with the simple stuff for sure as it doesn't sound convincing that have a head gasket problem.
Like you said, you have a conservative tune, MLS gaskets and ARP studs. A great combo to keep combustion in the cylinders.
For the record, the boost was much, much higher than you're running. More like 25-29 lbs.
I wouldn't pull the heads just yet. I would start with the simple stuff for sure as it doesn't sound convincing that have a head gasket problem.
Like you said, you have a conservative tune, MLS gaskets and ARP studs. A great combo to keep combustion in the cylinders.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Alright you guys are twisting my arm. I am not gonna pull the heads tonight. Still ordering new gaskets to have on hand. Gonna stop by a local shop I know and see if they have a leak down tester I can borrow for Friday otherwise gonna order thanks for the link.. I think I`m gonna have it put on a dyno so maybe I can see what its doing... Thanks for the help..
My neighbor mechanic has this radiator test kit or something. You put it on the cap and charge it with air. We used that when my wifes jeep head cracked maybe I will see if that tells me anything...
My neighbor mechanic has this radiator test kit or something. You put it on the cap and charge it with air. We used that when my wifes jeep head cracked maybe I will see if that tells me anything...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,210
Likes: 1
Thanks Guys, I did not log the run I dont have software to be able to. I dont think its a timing issue? My last tune was pretty conservative, after the 3rd dyno run I was happy with the numbers and the tuner told me he didn`t even touch the timing yet and it had no knock. I told him to leave alone because I had reached my goals. So I think my timing should be resonable. Remember I know jack squat about tuning!!! I am throwing alot of alky at the motor and at 6500 my wideband is reading 11.3 top of 4th.
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day. Any more advice would love to have...
The stronger cap sounds interesting but would that be just masking the problem??
I run GM mls head gaskets. I was told they did not have to be retorqued could that be the problem? I am gonna order some new head gaskets so I have them on hand. The coolant at the present is sitting at the level it should (full cold) I dont know if the larger radiator comes into play here with more fluid needing more room but it was cold out last night so I dont think its a heat/pressure issue...
I run ARP Studs and my boost level is at 9lb/10lbs.
Thanks guys calling for some serious rain here in the Northeast and I am off Friday so it may be head removal day.
Any more advice would love to have...About it masking the problem, I don't agree with that, you could have a hairline fracture in your head causing the coolant system to get pressurized under boost. replacing the headgaskets won't fix that either.
Temporary Hold
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,711
Likes: 7
From: www.modular-concept.com www.flatoutimaging.com
right now you have coolant pushing out of your res. the problem could be that your rad cap isn't holding the pressure of your cooling system. you are pressurizing the manifold on a car that wasn't designed from the factory to do so. If it were me, I would replace the cap FIRST, before spending any money or time doing something else, because its the quickest/easiest solution. It may cure the problem and it may not but you won't know until you try.
About it masking the problem, I don't agree with that, you could have a hairline fracture in your head causing the coolant system to get pressurized under boost. replacing the headgaskets won't fix that either.
About it masking the problem, I don't agree with that, you could have a hairline fracture in your head causing the coolant system to get pressurized under boost. replacing the headgaskets won't fix that either.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Okay got it, Ordered new 18 PSI cap and should be at parts store 8am sharp. New gaskets should be here this eve just in case.
With the BeCool radiator laid down my large lower hose is being bent more than I would like to see. Its not to the point were it is pinched but it may be restricting some flow??? When I first installed the radiator I had to remove some alluminum from where the sway bay mounts are to feel more confortable with coolant flowing. Any chance this could be a problem. Sorry just looking at everything now... Thanks for the help...
With the BeCool radiator laid down my large lower hose is being bent more than I would like to see. Its not to the point were it is pinched but it may be restricting some flow??? When I first installed the radiator I had to remove some alluminum from where the sway bay mounts are to feel more confortable with coolant flowing. Any chance this could be a problem. Sorry just looking at everything now... Thanks for the help...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Oxford PA
Well it turned out the coolant was still a little high. I took about 24oz out of it and put the 18 PSI cap on it. Seems my problem has gone away. Went to the track tonight and made a couple passes even missed a few gears
and had the pleasure of smacking the rev limiter a couple times and pushed no coolant. Even walked away with a new best 10.379 @128 had to let out up top I was feeling a little wiggle and no need to push the issue. I`m stil getting used to my dragpack and staying in the groove... Thanks for the help guys...
and had the pleasure of smacking the rev limiter a couple times and pushed no coolant. Even walked away with a new best 10.379 @128 had to let out up top I was feeling a little wiggle and no need to push the issue. I`m stil getting used to my dragpack and staying in the groove... Thanks for the help guys...