Another coolant loss thread...

[Paul_L]

Well I've been fighting a coolant loss problem for at least 2 years. First my radiator top tank split so I replaced the radiator & hoses. That fixed it for some time but periodically coolant would disappear, sometimes slowly & sometimes quickly. I suspected the HG since I had some rough idle on startup & since money is tight, I used some Bars Head Gasket Fix which again seemed to fix the problem. Now about 2 weeks ago (it's been close to 100 F here recently), coolant started disappearing at a very rapid pace, most recently about a 1 - 1.5 gallons every tank of gas. I fill up about every 3 days. Finally I closely examined the PHH and even though previously it showed no signs of leakage, now it did. 3.5 hours tonight to replace the PHH (I can now think of some other names for it) It had previously been replaved by one of the POs, When I removed it, it was as hard as a rock & showed obvious signs of cracking. I just drove it about 100 miles tonight over different types of roads & even though it was quite cool tonight, I'm optimistic about the fix.

I will keep you posted & thanks to all who have replaced their PHH & done write ups.

Paul

 

[Kernal]

How old was the PHH you replaced, can post up some photos??

 

[Paul_L]

I didn't take any pics in place, but I can try & take a pic of it out of the truck. It looks pretty bad & it is rock hard. I looks like it was leaking from the block side. Never any drips on the ground but it looks like there is some gooey green residue on the starter & some of the electrical connectors under it.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

I used some Bars Head Gasket Fix which again seemed to fix the problem.

I understand that money is tight - but this is an AWFUL solution.

You've now created another problem, which is reduced circulation.. not mention if the HG does get fixed correctly, that stuff is a real mess to clean up - you think the PHH is hard? HAH!

For those of you considering using that junk - don't.

 

[Paul_L]

I understand that money is tight - but this is an AWFUL solution.

You've now created another problem, which is reduced circulation.. not mention if the HG does get fixed correctly, that stuff is a real mess to clean up - you think the PHH is hard? HAH!

For those of you considering using that junk - don't.

Not my first choice, but it was either dump the cruiser for nothing & buy another POS or the Bars. So far the Bars has been holding for over a year & the coolant that drained didn't look bad. The radiator looks clear.

Right now I'm not even positive that the HG was the problem as my rough idle returned a few months ago. The fix was distributor cap, rotor, plugs & wires.

I also have ordered a new fan clutch since mine doesn't seem to be locking up at all.

 

[Paul_L]

I topped off the radiator several times today, hoping it's just burping.

New symptom - I waited in line at Costco gas today. Idling & running A/C for about 10 minutes. After filling up I parked & went into the store for about 20 minutes. When I came out, my truck had puked coolant on the ground for the first time. Unfortunately where it was parked I wasn't able to crawl underneath to see where it came from but the splatter spot on the ground was centered under the radiator area. I moved the truck & crawled underneath & was unable to pinpoint the source. I topped off the radiator again.

My new fan clutch came today so I went ahead & installed it even though I hadn't modded it yet. It definitely seems to be moving more air. I removed the splash plate under the radiator so if it pukes again, I might be able to spot the source. I plan on changing the thermostat & radiator cap on Sat. if I don't have anymore problems.

Keeping fingers crossed.

 

[Inukshuk]

Get yourself the fluorescent dye kit. Easy to use and you'll spot any external leak very quickly.

 

[Devil's Slide Doug]

Mine had some of these same symptoms. Coolant system was always over pressurized somewhat thanks to the exhaust gases leaking past the head gasket. Split radiator, popped phh (that had already been replaced). I drove it that way for for a while until catastrophic failure occurred. With a new head gasket all these problems went away.

 

[Paul_L]

Well the new Aisin Blue Hub fan clutch has been a big improvement. A/C is blowing much colder. I'm going to do a system flush & new thermostat on Saturday. I'll probably also mod the new fan clutch as well.

I still think too much heat is being generated so I will start collecting head gasket parts & see if I can make a deal with a mechanic I know.

 

[toynbyu]

Any updates? I'm dealing with the same symptoms.
Thank you, Mike

 

[Kjartanbj]

My friend has been battling coolant loss the last few days, turns out it was a faulty radiator cap

 

[Paul_L]

I did the temporary fix on the #1 bypass hose (just above & forward of the PHH). There was a pinhole leak where the clamp was. I trimmed about an inch from the head side & reattached it. So far the coolant level has been holding steady. I had been adding as much as 1/2 gal of coolant every 50-100 miles.

I haven't done the permanent repair since it's been too hot here. The A/C has been working better with the new non modified blue hub fan clutch. I ordered the hoses from CDan & will be replacing them soon as the original bypass hose is noticeably swollen.

 

[toynbyu]

I have to tell you Phil, I'm going through about 1/2 a gallon every 50-100 miles as well. I live in Central Virginia and it's been a pretty mild summer; I'm not a big A/C guy anyway.
I had it pressure tested (cold) for 20 minutes @ 15 LBS. No leaks. Put on a new rad cap and I'm still blowing through coolant at the same rate.
I'm really at my wits end. At the risk of sounding ignorant what is PHH ?

 

[Paul_L]

Who's Phil?

PHH - Pesky Heater Hose. Driver side of engine, Access through wheel well. Many threads on this. Search "PHH"

This thread has good pics of the PHH & #1 Bypass Hose. (above & forward of the PHH)

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/766230-phh-time.html

The #1 Bypass hose was the one that had the biggest leak for me.