WHERE is coolant lost? Cost?

[Bill (8)]

1995 Dodge Neon, SOHC, A/C, 100,000 + miles, with coolant loss which can not be seen. Could it be: (1) burned by the spark plugs from a bad head gasket and/or bad head. (2) evaporating (leak) from the radiator, hoses, heat exchanger. What is the expected cost of your recomendation?

 

[Bob Shuman]

You don't say how much is lost or if this stabilizes over time. Try replacing the radiator coolant cap first. This is the cheapest and simplest and could be the source of the problem if the pressure cap is letting coolant out the overflow when it is hot. I'd think you could see the exhaust smoke if it were being burned during combustion due to blown head gasket, but it may be leaking so little (just starting) that it might be difficult.

Have you looked on the underside of the vehicle? Usually you can see the area which is the source of the leak.

Bob

 

[Dan Gates]

1995 Dodge Neon, SOHC, A/C, 100,000 + miles, with coolant loss which can not be seen. Could it be: (1) burned by the spark plugs from a bad head gasket and/or bad head. (2) evaporating (leak) from the radiator, hoses, heat exchanger. What is the expected cost of your recomendation?

SARCASM ALERT!!

First of all, you are lying. You cannot get more than 100,000 miles on a domestically designed and manufactured car.

First check for wet spots on hoses, fittings etc, indicating a leak.

I would check the rad cap next, it could be weak and allowing too much coolant to go to the expansion tank and then not allowing it to be sucked back when cool.

Finally, you may be looking at a head gasket problem, coolant gets sucked into the cylinders and burned -- but there should be some white steam in your mirrors as you accelerate away.

Dan

 

[MikeHunt]

He MUST be lying! Only japanese cars last over
100,000 miles

mike hunt

 

[Rick Blaine]

If its never been replaced, chances are it's the head gasket. You won't necessarily see any white smoke from the tail pipe. Do check the simple things first, look closely for external leaks, rad cap, etc. You can also have the coolant checked for the presence of CO. That will tell you if the gasket is leaking.

 

[Ric]

Everyone is silly.. there isn't any car maker out there that will allow more than 70k out of a car.. <rolling eyes>