22 RE coolant/smoking wierdness

[LoneRanger]

I've been noticing my coolant dropping on my 22RE and tightened all the hoses. Still dropping. Then the idle started acting wierd--a little surging and just seemed rough. Today i noticed a lot of white smoke in the exhaust and the coolant ran so low I had to pull over and refill it on the roadside. The first thought that comes to mind is head-gasket but the oil looks normal--not milky or bubbly. Any thoughts out there on what this might be?

 

[KLF]

A leaking head gasket can present itself in many ways, not necessarily as coolant in the oil. Sure fire way to check is a leak down test.

 

[LoneRanger]

A leaking head gasket can present itself in many ways, not necessarily as coolant in the oil. Sure fire way to check is a leak down test.

IYO is anything else which would cause coolant to disappear and steam/smoke to come from the exhaust?

 

[Vicm]

If this is a very new problem, check your alternator belt, it might not be there.
The belt missing will cause surge and overheating , but I would think it would be evident in the overfill tank.

 

[dkdnt232]

IYO is anything else which would cause coolant to disappear and steam/smoke to come from the exhaust?

Any cracks on one of the cylinder walls/head would cause the coolant to get to the combustion chambers, and not necessarily mix with the oil. Like he said, a leak down test is the best way to narrow your problem.