Coolant Problem - 93 Sable

[ggratecc]

Hi,
When engine cold, I remove radiator cap and find coolant is not
visible. However, the overflow tank is between min and max.

About once a week, I add coolant and water directly to radiator,
which tops it off. A few days later, the level in the radiator is down
again.

Usually, don't find any puddles under the car at all.

I'd really like to fix this myself if someone can tell me what to do
next?
thanks,
Greg

[Mr T]

You either have a break/open in your cooling system somewhere, or you have a blockage in your tube to the resovour tank. Remove the tank and drain it. Clean it and the hose out well, refill with fresh coolant mixture.

If you have a leak/break in the system, coolant may never hit the ground, it may be landing on the engine/exhaust and boiling off, could be leaking into the engine (head gasket) and being burnt (look for signs of oil in the coolant), or you could have a leak at/near the heater core, look for wet carpeting in the front (probably passenger side).

Replace your radiator cap, make sure you get one of the correct pressure (have the parts store lookup the correct cap, dont go by the one that's on there now...may be wrong)

[ggratecc]

thank you Mr. T,
I'll work on it tomorrow.

[ggratecc]

Mr. T,
Doing two things you suggested fixed the problem!bow_1

First, I found the resevoir interior lined with brown oil, so the bottom hole may
have been clogged. The hose seemed fine, but I flushed it.
Then I replaced the radiator cap, which was 3 1/2 years old, w/ 16 lb.

I checked this morning and the radiator is staying topped off now.
thanks again,
Greg

[Mr T]

Run it for a few days then check your coolant, look for oil mixed in with it.. You could have a failing head gasket.

Also, I would highly recomend a cooling system flush this summer. You can get a kit and do it yourself. You just have to cut one of your heater hoses and install a 'T' fitting. You hook a garden hose to that fitting and it backflushes the system pretty well. If you have had leaks in the past, doing this may bring them back to visit as you clear out the gunk that is now blocking these leaks....Just a FYI

You can also go to a shop and have it done.. They pretty much unhook one of your hoses and put a flushing machine in the loop of your cooling system.. Not sure if it does any better of a job though.

[ggratecc]

I suspect I have a leaky head gasket as you mentioned.

Yes, I installed one of those T flush kits on my 85 Cutlass Ciera (great car, but it got totaled by another car whose owner was testing their brake job):( .
I will install one on my sable, but why do you recommend summer time?
just curious...

I'll get back to you on the oil in resevoir.
thanks, see ya on the electrical forums.

[Mr T]

...but why do you recommend summer time?
ITS WARM OUTSIDE!!!!:o

You can do it anytime if you want, keep in mind that you are gonna be cycling alot of water, dont do it where it can freeze and create a hazard.

[ggratecc]

It's always summer in Los Angeles, I can't even remember the last
time it was below 40. :D

Anyways, why are thinking about cold weather when you live between
Hell and Hell? ;)

thanks for your help!