Quote:
Originally Posted by PantsDants
My coolant is below the low line when cold, and about an inch or two above it when hot (~9000 miles on the car). After driving on the freeway for around 15 minutes or so and parking it, I can smell coolant when I get out. It doesn't come through the vents or anything, just outside the car, and the smell quickly goes away.
|
The very first thing to check with all pressurized cooling systems is that damn radiator cap.
The system relies on the existence of a perfect seal in both the lower seal and the vacuum valve (check valve). If there is even the tiniest, slowest pinhole leak, which is VERY common, there will be localized boiling/simmering in the head even though technically the engine isn't overheating. This is exactly what causes the big swings in coolant level in the reservoir and gradual coolant loss in the form of steam. That's why that little hole exists at the top of the reservoir.
Check/replace the cap. Check the seat inside the neck as well. Make sure there aren't any scratches or pits where the gasket sits.
Please do not let anyone convince you it's ok for this engine to use any coolant. Mine uses none even during the dog days of summer and, yes, I hammer on it.