adding coolant
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
adding coolant
Hi guys I have a 2005 Vette with a LS2. My question is: about every 150 miles I have to add coolant. Is this normal for this engine? My engine oil pressure gauge hardly never shows more than 40 paid. 80k on the engine. My 1st Vette ok. Help.. JT
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Nope, not normal. If you are needing to add coolant that means you are losing coolant. It doesn't evaporate. Water pump leak? Hose leak? shiver... head gasket leak?
Oil have any signs of coolant? Stains on floor of garage? Smell of coolant in cabin?
Elmer
Oil have any signs of coolant? Stains on floor of garage? Smell of coolant in cabin?
Elmer
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
Not normal. My 2006 started doing the same thing in 2011, and every once in awhile I would smell coolant when I pulled in the garage. It took me awhile to find the source, and it turned out to be the water pump. Just a very slight drip from the seal hole, which is almost impossible to see unless you use a small mirror. I did an 18 psi pressure test for 24 hours, and finally saw the drips coming from the pump. The pressure only dropped to 13 psi in that time.
Once I replaced the pump, it was easy to see where the coolant had leaked under the pulley for a long time.
Once I replaced the pump, it was easy to see where the coolant had leaked under the pulley for a long time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
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From: Tucson AZ
Check it out!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,673
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From: Upstate New York
Have the system pressurized and then look for the leak. I think many auto parts stores rent out the tool so you can do it yourself. It's a lot easier to find these when the car is off and you can inspect various areas - vs. working on a hot engine and after air blowing through the engine compartment disperses the fluid, etc.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The oil pressure will depend on oil "weight", oil temperature, and rpm.
Our 2006 with the LS2 would show about 40 psi at idle immediately after startup with oil temp around 70'F.
When partially warmed up (oil temp 180'F), pressure at ide was 32 psi.
At 2,000 rpm, pressure was 48 psi.
Mobil1, 5W-30; 44,000 miles on the engine.
Our 2009 LS3 is 1 psi less under the same conditions.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
The oil pressure is fine and not related to the coolant leak anyway. It is very unlikely to be the head gasket as that is just not a problem ever seen on the forum. Check for leaks. Water pump weep hole is the first place to check.
