New 98 LC owner on board (fj40 too)...losing antifreeze

[nov74fj40]

This North Mississippian just became the proud owner of a 98 LC with all the bells & whistles...95k miles, and got it totally service (changed fluids all around, timing belt, seals, serp belt, brakes, tires, etc..) like new except for one little beef...I seem to be losing small amounts of radiator fluid on drives into town. When I park I can smell it. I got my flashlight and have checked and rechecked for leaks, etc...my guess is the fluid is leaking out through the radiator and evaporating before any evidence is noticed. I can't see evidence of a leak ANYWHERE. No mist/evaporation when hot & running / high rpm (in park), etc. I read the recent post on water pumps...make me think I got a hidden problema?

Got any insight?

 

[Jim_Chow]

I had a mysterious leak in my 4runner a couple of years ago. Turned out to be one of the hoses (clamp was tight). Symptoms were I'd never see it leaking, but the bottle would go nearly dry every 2 weeks or so. I could clearly see coolant stains sprayed all over one side of the engine, but no stains that would signify a leaky HG. What happens is when the engine is cold, the system is under pressure, so it is now when any leaks will show (but you're driving, right?). Once the engine is warm, the valve in the radiator cap opens, and the pressure is relieved into the bottle. I happened to catch my leak several months later when I was on a road trip and drove a couple miles to a gas station (engine cold), then saw some red coolant underneath. It was dripping about 2 drops/sec straight into the alternator, out the bottom of the alternator, and the fan would blow it all over the steering components. Otherwise driving 17 miles to work everyday, I never saw it leak.

So my recommendation would be to pressure test the system and see if there are any leaks before you jump to any conclusions.

 

[e9999]

welcome!


glad you saw the light!


If you can't find the leak right away, maybe use some UV dye? Kits are cheap.

 

[nov74fj40]

Thanks...I might just roll it back to the high $$$ mechanic that did all the servicing...