Where is all my coolant going??

[Vossie]

Hi All.

right, recent engine swap as many will already know. kept the stock radiator and had it serviced so i know its not leaking.

have an overflow bottle, no lid but it breathes and pipe goes all the way to the bottom.

now the problem is that every couple of days, i will have to top up my radiator with about 1L of water. and yes, im using just water for now. 2 reasons:

1, ive still got to swap out the thermostat and install the new temp sender so dont want to waster coolant before i do that
2, money. i cant afford to top up with coolant if im just going to lose it.

any one have any ideas where my water is going? engine never gets hot (over hot that is), cant see any leaks anywhere. this is baffling me

 

[Tin basher]

Problem with just water is if it's leaking at a hose
Head gasket hopefully not its just evaporating before you see it anti freeze will leave a residue and the colour making it easier to see
You could get it checked by using a cooling system pressure tester without it running you might be able to. See or hear the leak
Or lay a large piece of cardboard under it and see if it gets any drips on it will at least show you side and end of engine to look for the leak

 

[shawnfj40]

You are going to have to pressurize the cooling system and look for the leak.

 

[Nottajeep]

Head gasket?

 

[White Stripe]

Try a new radiator cap

 

[65swb45]

Straight water, no cap. You think it could be evaporating? I've heard water does that.

 

[emac]

It could be leaking in a hundred different places from the radiator to the freeze plugs and anywhere in between. One liter every couple of days (depending on mileage) seems like a lot, so it should be easy to find. Pressure testing is a good idea. Check everything when it is cold as it may be easier to spot a leak. Antifreeze will leave a trace water wont.

 

[Steamer]

I'd put in at least some antifreeze even if you'll loose it. With straight water it will start rusting in there soon.