My Antifreeze is disappearing

[xterraracer]

HmmmSo I was having trouble getting heat and after reading through the forums, found the fix. Low antifreeze level. I have a 2003 manual Vibe. I've owned it for about 2 years and had to top off 3 times so far. I'm sure it's leaking somewhere. Is there a common place for it to leak?. Is there a special procedure for getting the system purged? So far, I have let it warm up, reved the engine to 3k rpm, and finished the top off. Ideas?Thanks

[keithvibe]

waterpump, headgasket, bad hose could be a number of things

[Mavrik]

I think most Vibes seem to consume a little coolant. I know my 04 did. I'd have to level out the overflow every couple months. Never smelled a leak or noticed smoke from the exhaust though.

[Sublimewind]

All you can do is look for signs of a leak, and/or monitor the level... It shouldn't be hard to see a leak point....

[ColonelPanic]

Mine did too, I was having to add coolant to it every so often.Had it at the shop a couple times for pressure testing and they never found anything. It always had a smell of hot coolant coming from under the hood once the engine warmed up. They were clueless as to the cause, so I just had to keep adding coolant to it.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Mine did too, I was having to add coolant to it every so often.Had it at the shop a couple times for pressure testing and they never found anything. It always had a smell of hot coolant coming from under the hood once the engine warmed up. They were clueless as to the cause, so I just had to keep adding coolant to it. that's not cool, I guess I should check my coolant...

[djb383]

Over the years, I've had really good luck with Alumaseal.http://www.sta-bil.com/alumaseal/index.htm

[kevera]

Have a look at the things KeithVibe said and also around the radiator itself.They tend to leak all around the ends where it's soldered together.Look for some crusty red build-up

[ToolGuy]

You have an issue and you really need to get it fixed.If you had trouble getting heat and then once you added coolant you got heat I would be very concerned about your thermostat. It needs to be surrounded with coolant in order to work properly and contributes to whether you have heat or not. I would take it in for a pressure test/check. You or a garage can even add die in the system if it is not obviously showing up. Once the issue is found, I would change the upper and lower radiator hoses and the thermostat for sure. Judging from this issue I am sure you car has over 50,000 miles on it and thermostats do not last forever. They are a cheap part but can cause big issues if not replaced. DO NOT let the car run very low on coolant! If you do the car will run hotter and your head gasket is doomed or its life will be shortened! You could even warp the head and that is not good!

[xterraracer]

Great info-Thanks.The car has 65k miles on it. I have a new thermostat waiting to be installed. But when it's full of Antifreeze, it regulates just fine! HAHA. I don't smell/see any leaks. The engine, hoses, radiator all look to be in great shape. My oil is normal and not all whitish. the pressure test is a good idea. I admit I have thrown parts at a car to attempt a fix, but not for this one.

[zionzr2]

looks like i'm due for a flush fill...I noticed today that the coolant level is below the low mark when cold and when up to temp its between the marks.Its been about 4years and 50K miles. Time just get it done...Should I replace the Thermostat as well?Hoses ( They seem in good condition)?No Signs of leaksNo Signs of Smoke or Oil Foaming.ScanGuage and Temp Guage Show Normal Temps.

[northvibe]

radiators can get leaks, and those rubber tubes that run from the radator/pump/engine can get leaks if the rubber cracks or the caps leak.

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »looks like i'm due for a flush fill...Its been about 4years and 50K miles. Time just get it done...Should I replace the Thermostat as well?Hoses ( They seem in good condition)? I wouldn't replace the thermostat if the temperature has been staying at the right level. The current thermostat must be doing the job to keep it there - just keep an eye on the temperature as you drive.It's a good idea to replace hoses periodically, but 4 years/50kmiles seems a little early to have to worry about them unless there's some indication of a problem (excessively spongy feel, any bulges or signs of leaks).

[tnpartsguy]

remove the plugs one at a time, and look for/smell them for coolant. You might have a leaky intake gasket or head gasket. I drove my Infiniti G20 for 2 yrs with the head gasket seeping into the #2 cylinder.

[zionzr2]

I just had my coolant flush and filled at a local Midas shop. They did a complete flush and replaced with a universal "yellow colored" Fluid. Cost was $106.

[09Red_Se]

intake or head gasket. yep - sorry.if you fill it and it goes down again - you need to have it fixed. You'll start ruining bearings if you don't, or haven't already.Check your oil - is it milk?Also check your rad for oil.

[northvibe]

oh yeah, i hear if your oil is milky or bubbly coolant could be in it. then its a major problem. I did my own coolant change and it wasnt a big deal at all, like a oil change. theres directions on here somewhere. Mines never consumed coolant though....

[Vibe_dude]

from what i have read these cars have a open air system(or somthing like that).it tends to evaporate or time.its not a sealed system like on most GM's.So u will have to add fluid from time to time.I had to do it a few times and my buddy with his celica had to do it to...its a toyota thing.