Coolant loss

[Lynden-Jeff]

Hi,

Ive noticed since I bought my truck pretty much that it uses some coolant. I do not notice any "spewing" or residue from this however it does go down. I dont notice anything on the driveway and all seems good with the truck. What is considered "normal" usage of coolant, and where can I look for a problem? I do put a hefty amount of KM on my truck. I also know of the TSB for the min line being the max line so I am not over filling.

Cheers
Jeff

 

[bushpilot]

im not sure ANY coolant loss is normal & the only time ive
ever seen loss (or white deposits on my degass bottle) was
from over filling.

coolant loss usually lead to concerns of blown head gaskets,
cracked egr coolers or worse.

i recommend some inexpensive testing / kits

Blackstone Laboratories - Diesel Engines

Detail Page for 75500 Combustion Leak Detector - Lisle Corporation
Detail Page for 75730 Combustion Leak Detector Fluid For Diesel - Lisle Corporation

these tests will detect coolant in the oil (blackstone-labs) or
combustion gasses in the coolant...for less than 50 or so bucks
they're DIY and will help determine if youve got any real problems.

 

[CHPMustang]

I definitely concur with Bushpilot on having lab testing on an oil sample,there's so much more that is revealed from their testing which could save you from buying a new engine if caught early.

 

[Lynden-Jeff]

Hi,

I dont think it is anything to do with the head gasket since there is no evidence of puking however the oil cooler is a possibility. There is no oil in the coolant and no coolant in the oil so I am going to send in a sample and get it tested. Im wondering if maybe its the cap or the bottle its self.

Cheers

 

[bushpilot]

others have experienced cracked bottles, and the cap is a
whole 'nother strange ISSUE...at least to me.

you could always pressure test the system.

if youre oil cooler is "suspect" you could monitor the oil temp &
coolant temp...their should not be a differential of more than
about 20* between the EOT & ECT (engine oil temp & engine coolant temp).

the following pages offer good info on coolant flow & oil flow...
6.0L Bible Table of Contents

 

[BamaSixGun]

MY bottle was cracked earlier this year, but it left its evidence on the ground.

didnt you say you showed no signs of leaking on the driveway?

 

[bushpilot]

whats the tail pipe look like....

 

[jpringle83]

Hey I just went through this and it was a cracked egr cooler you'll notice some significant loss if you tow a load under normal driving it won't be to noticeable. Have you noticed any heavy white smoke on full throttle acceleration?

 

[strokepower]

I just put a whole gallon of G-05 im mine...I knew i needed to put some in but dang i wasn't expecting her to drink the whole thing...The truck never acted up or anything like that I just notice that it was very low!!...Unlike you i did have signs of it spewing from the cap.

 

[Lynden-Jeff]

whats the tail pipe look like....

Black and sooty. I tow about 6000 lbs 3-4 times a week but I woulden't call it severe towing. Haven't noticed any white smoke, a little black smoke but nothing crazy.
Cheers