|
11-06-2011, 07:09 PM
|
|
...............
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
|
|
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?
__________________
2005 Edge
|
Register and never see these ads again. |
|
11-06-2011, 07:12 PM
|
|
I'm an F-18, bro
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,972
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
If you can't find a leak, check your oil for signs of coolant to start.
__________________
1999 B2500 5 Speed
|
11-06-2011, 07:14 PM
|
|
...............
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
|
|
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.
__________________
2005 Edge
|
11-06-2011, 07:15 PM
|
|
Buy a Ford
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 187
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
Any smoke?..I hope its not your headgasket man...
__________________
2002 Ranger Edge 5spd 4x2 8.8"diff/4.10gearing
-15" Cragar Soft 8 rims
-31x10.5 BFG KM2's
-Chrome Differential cover
-Blacked out grills
More To Come......
|
11-06-2011, 07:16 PM
|
|
...............
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerEdge02
Any smoke?..I hope its not your headgasket man...
|
Looked at that as well. There was no smoke present at all.
__________________
2005 Edge
|
11-06-2011, 07:19 PM
|
Ford Ranger Driver
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,970
|
|
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?
|
11-06-2011, 07:23 PM
|
|
Blinded by the light
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
|
|
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?
|
11-06-2011, 07:23 PM
|
|
Welcome to FRF, & enjoy!
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,130
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
the heater control valve loves to leak.
__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Offroad, 4.0L ext cab, Converted to Manual M5OD-R1HD.
_____________
33x13.50 Toyo M/T, 15x10, Body Lift, Rebuilt OHV, JBA headers, Hurst shifter, Warn VR10000-s, Class 1 bars, Belltech Shackles, Mustang GT rear disc, Level II hooks, Modded rear hitch, Custom front hitch, Level II Blue seats and black console, Explorer IRS rear cover, Extang fulltilt, Leer Cap Yakima Roof Rack, Cobra 29 with firestik stake mount, Scangauge II
Few mods
|
11-06-2011, 07:25 PM
|
|
Buy a Ford
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 187
|
|
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...
__________________
2002 Ranger Edge 5spd 4x2 8.8"diff/4.10gearing
-15" Cragar Soft 8 rims
-31x10.5 BFG KM2's
-Chrome Differential cover
-Blacked out grills
More To Come......
|
11-06-2011, 07:26 PM
|
|
...............
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger
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
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.
__________________
2005 Edge
|
11-06-2011, 07:26 PM
|
|
Blinded by the light
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerEdge02
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.
|
11-06-2011, 07:27 PM
|
|
Welcome to FRF, & enjoy!
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,130
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
True just take another look at it. Brandon is on his I think Third one...
__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Offroad, 4.0L ext cab, Converted to Manual M5OD-R1HD.
_____________
33x13.50 Toyo M/T, 15x10, Body Lift, Rebuilt OHV, JBA headers, Hurst shifter, Warn VR10000-s, Class 1 bars, Belltech Shackles, Mustang GT rear disc, Level II hooks, Modded rear hitch, Custom front hitch, Level II Blue seats and black console, Explorer IRS rear cover, Extang fulltilt, Leer Cap Yakima Roof Rack, Cobra 29 with firestik stake mount, Scangauge II
Few mods
|
|
|
|
11-06-2011, 07:31 PM
|
|
Blinded by the light
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
|
|
Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty
Quote:
Originally Posted by STL
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.
|
|
|
|
11-06-2011, 07:35 PM
|
|
...............
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
|
|
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.
__________________
2005 Edge
|
11-06-2011, 07:38 PM
|
|
Blinded by the light
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
|
|
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.
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
|