Drinking coolant

[Iowan]

is it normal for this type of truck to drink coolant? it filled it to min. about a week ago and have driven it twice since that time but it is almost empty again? thank you for all your help.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Shouldn't lose coolant at all, you have a major leak somewhere should be able to see it unless it's internal, best to do a pressure test you can rent a tester at a parts store if you don't already have one.

 

[CRM]

You don't have a leaking heater core by any chance? It's fairly common for them to leak in these trucks.

 

[Camar068]

check your oil for drops of coolant on the stick. Anything but oil on the stick is bad.

 

[Iowan]

Well thank the Lord theirs no coolant in the oil. And the heater core was replaced before we bought it (week since we bought it). Could I use a air compressor instead?

 

[87ChevyR10]

What color is your exhaust? White would indicate coolant being burned. Even if it's not producing white smoke, stick your hand in the exhaust and smell it. IF it smells sweet, it's coolant.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I promise it'd be easier to pressurize the cooling system with a pressure tester. You can borrow them for no charge at an auto parts store.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I promise it'd be easier to pressurize the cooling system with a pressure tester. You can borrow them for no charge at an auto parts store.

X2.....

 

[Iowan]

ok ill barrow one. the exhaust is not sweet. I think it might just have to get another coolant tank.

 

[Iowan]

Thanks so much.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Let us know what you find out.

 

[theblindchicken]

Also depends on how hot tour truck runs and what the weather is like. Mine will tend to evaporate a fair amount of water from the overflow when running a lot of errands during a hotter week.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Do you think it's just because of heat, or would the low relative humidity also be in play?

 

[Iowan]

Also depends on how hot tour truck runs and what the weather is like. Mine will tend to evaporate a fair amount of water from the overflow when running a lot of errands during a hotter week.

I didn't think about that the truck always runs cool and it's been a little hotter these couple past weeks. But I'll still will find out what else might be wrong and I filled it almost to min.

 

[theblindchicken]

Do you think it's just because of heat, or would the low relative humidity also be in play?

Low humidity will allow the water to evaporate easier, the higher temperature will just speed up the process.

If you really wanted to get into specifics, you could also check the atmospheric pressure changes too... Lower pressure = lower boiling point. But that doesn't ever change enough to really make a difference.