Where is my coolant going?

Leahatrill

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Joined
Feb 7, 2020
Messages
295
Location
Toronto
I topped up the reservoir about 4 weeks ago and I noticed today that it’s almost empty?? Oil is good looking. I have no leaks At all at the hoses or rad etc. Where the hell is the coolant going??
 
If you're 100% certain it isn't in the oil and the engine isn't burning coolant, then there is always a chance that your cooling system itself was low, and the coolant has gone into the cooling system to fill the empty space.

I'd fill it again and see what happens.
 
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If you're 100% certain it isn't in the oil and the engine isn't burning coolant, then there is always a chance that your cooling system itself was low, and the coolant has gone into the cooling system to fill the empty space.

I'd fill it again and see what happens.
X2
 
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Buy an oil test kit on Amazon. It will tell you for sure if there is coolant in your oil. Or rent a pressure test kit from an Autozone or other parts place that rents them out. If you're losing pressure and not seeing any obvious leaks during a pressure test you can pull the plugs and either look inside with a flashlight or better yet a camera scope to see if you spot any coolant leaking through the gasket.
 
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It’s not a blown head gasket.
A blown head gasket is the only other explanation if there are no external leaks, assuming you also ruled out your heater core.

A bad gasket doesn’t always mean coolant is leaking into the oil. Coolant can also leak into the exhaust manifold and burn off in the exhaust. Which is an issue we’ve seen several times here on the forum.

Like suggested above, a pressure test would be the best way to start.
 
I had no leaks at all also....but there were. The top of the radiator cracked and leaked under pressure. It left a stain on the hood but nothing else. It seems that all Mopar radiators fail at about 100k miles.
 
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I think I found the leak ....upper rad hose maybe? Thermostat ..seal?

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That hose looks old and a little too short, I would replace it and the lower if it looks as bad, also the recommended hose clamp is the OEM style.

View attachment 141939

X2 to this.

Constant tension clamps are much better than the clamps you have on there right now, which are known to cause leak issues.

So much for "no leaks at all" ;)
 
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I’m not a fan of those unfortunately lol I know they’re top notch but I can’t for the life of me get them on and off
 
I had leaks from various hoses with worm clamps when the weather is back and forth warm/cold like in the fall and spring, every season for the last couple years. Back in November I redid my entire cooling system and went back to the constant tension clamps and haven't had a leak yet.
 
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I had leaks from various hoses with worm clamps when the weather is back and forth warm/cold like in the fall and spring, every season for the last couple years. Back in November I redid my entire cooling system and went back to the constant tension clamps and haven't had a leak yet.
I’m going to check the tension to those clamps tomorrow. About 2 months ago I noticed leakage coming from my lower rad hose and the clamp was just loose. I replaced those hoses and radiator 8-9 months ago ....I can’t remember if I filled the reservoir entirely after bleeding the system lol maybe the coolant just filled up the system ....LOL. I hate those clamps tho ...every time I replace something with those on I don’t put them back they’re such a bitch to get on and off
 
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