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  #1  
Old 11-06-2011, 07:09 PM
STL STL is offline
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Default Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Have been having this problem for a while now. I have mixed a UV dye into the coolant when I filled it back up couple weeks ago. I used a black light, and did not see where any was leaking.

The temp gauge on the truck stays below the middle. The ultra gauge shows it getting up to 197/200 then will drop back down as the thermostat opens.


I am puzzled as to where it can be going.

Any ideas?
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:12 PM
ObsoleteE ObsoleteE is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

If you can't find a leak, check your oil for signs of coolant to start.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:14 PM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Ah forgot to add that as well. Just changed the oil. I looked at it with a black light to see if UV dye was present and nothing was in there.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:15 PM
Mossberg Mossberg is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Any smoke?..I hope its not your headgasket man...
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:16 PM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerEdge02 View Post
Any smoke?..I hope its not your headgasket man...
Looked at that as well. There was no smoke present at all.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:19 PM
klinger86 klinger86 is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

take your radiator cap off while the truck is running and see if it's bubbleing while idleing.... also have you noticed anything wet in the cab/around the heater hoses?
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:23 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

What engine do you have? Do you have the separate tank and a radiator with a cap? Or the tank integrated to the radiator with no actual radiator cap?
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:23 PM
Redneckstone Redneckstone is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

the heater control valve loves to leak.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:25 PM
Mossberg Mossberg is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Did you try looking at the tank while the engine is warmed up? When the engine is warm, the coolant heats up and expands into the tank, and sucks back as it cools down...I know you most likely are aware, but just double checking...
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  #10  
Old 11-06-2011, 07:26 PM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
What engine do you have? Do you have the separate tank and a radiator with a cap? Or the tank integrated to the radiator with no actual radiator cap?
4.0 SOHC
I got the tank and radiator has the cap

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redneckstone View Post
the heater control valve loves to leak.
Didn't really check that but I would think UV dye would be present around that area. Since it is close to the over flow tank.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:26 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerEdge02 View Post
When the engine is warm, the coolant heats up and expands into the tank, and sucks back as it cools down.
Depending on the design, that is not necessarily true and would be a sign of a problem.
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  #12  
Old 11-06-2011, 07:27 PM
Redneckstone Redneckstone is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

True just take another look at it. Brandon is on his I think Third one...
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  #13  
Old 11-06-2011, 07:31 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by STL View Post
4.0 SOHC
I got the tank and radiator has the cap
Ok good. If coolant is leaving the tank, it means the system is low to begin with. You need to refill correctly first then re-evaluate. On a cold engine, top off the radiator with 50/50. Leave the cap off. Start the engine and let it warm up. As coolant begins to circulate the level will drop. Keep it topped off. As the the thermostat opens, it may drop some more. Keep it topped off. Once the level stays full or begins to rise, put the cap back on. Fill the tank 1/2 way. Done.

On a properly working system, the coolant level in the tank should not change. It is only there for overflow or reserve. If the pressure in the system gets too high, it will vent into the tank. If the system volume drops too low, the vacuum it creates will suck coolant back in from the tank. Under normal operations, there is no coolant exchange between the system and the tank.

It sounds like the level is just low. How it got low is another story, but if the problem doesn't return, I would call it a day.
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  #14  
Old 11-06-2011, 07:35 PM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

I let the truck cool down enough to remove the radiator cap. It is full with the truck still "warm"

I will stop tomorrow and get some fluid. I would assume as well it is just low, and go from there. Last time I filled the tank the truck was not running that I recall.
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Old 11-06-2011, 07:38 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Coolant is drawn from the tank to the radiator by the vacuum created as the system cools and the liquid (and air) contracts. This can only happen if the level is low. There is no other way for coolant to flow into the system so if it went in, it was low. Check it in the morning when it is cold to see.
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