If I don't relieve pressure on my coolant every week or so (by opening the cap), I occaisonally get coolant s praying from somewhere (a hose, drain valve, etc.). When this happens, the extra reservoir tank is empty. I installed an new cap with the pressure release valve on it. If I release the pressure into the tank, the leak stops, and I don't have problems for another week or so. The week thing COULD be a coincidence, so I was thinking it could be a malfunctioning thermostat? What other things could be causing this issue?

Thanks!

 

Is your truck overheating? Has it overheated in the past? Do you have mysterious coolant loss? Any white smoke out the exhaust? How does your oil look? Is there still pressure when you first go out to your truck in the morning?

One of the things that coolant does when it absorbs heat, is expand..... thereby building pressure in the cooling system. EVERY time your truck is up to operating temp, there should be pressure on the cooling system. If there isn't, you have a leak, and need to find it.

If your cooling system is developing pressure as soon as you start the truck, you might have bigger problems.....

 

Temperature and pressure seem fine most of the time, which is why I was thinking it could be the thermostat? It only happens occaisonally, and not until the engine temperature gets to full operating temp- but as I said, its not a regular occurance?

Coolant level stays fine except when this happens. Oil and coolant look fine (my FIRST thought was blown head, but none of the head symptoms occur). It doesnt overheat though (Which is the normal effect of a bad thermostat)..

 

How often do you drive your truck? Does it get up to operating temp each time you do?

An intermittent problem like that seems unlikely to be a thermostat...... but, that certainly does NOT rule it out.

Is temp still in the 'ok' range when this problem rears its ugly head? Does it leak from the same place each time? Do you do anything to address the problem at the site where it is leaking? Is there any stop leak in your cooling system? Still have the 'band' clamp style hose clamps?

 

I do not drive the truck very often, as this is my third vehicle. I've been trying to drive it 8-10 times a week though, but they are almost always real short trips (1-2 miles). When this problem occurs, its always within a mile or so of my house. Last time it happend, It happened on the way to the restaurant- I pulled the pressure release valve at the restaurant, and afterwards drove home- problem free?

I hate to say it, but I have not noticed the temperature when it happens. Not sure why I don't look down, but I guess I can do that next time- If its high, then that will tell you the thermostats stuck closed... that makes sense. I can't pinpoint the leak- I think its from right around the drain plug on the right bottom? Negative to the stop leak- atleast not since I've owned it. I've only had it about a year and it's never been a daily driver. Yes on the band clamp style hose clamps.

 

I just had a revelation... It would seem like it happens right when the truck gets to operating temperature (about a mile or so out?) That would mean the thermostats failing to open. Maybe it's worth just replacing that and see if it fixes it.

Sorry if it seems like im stuck on the thermostat thing, but theres my thought process for you. If anyone thinks I might be right on the money, (or missing the boat), tell me!

 

Take it for a spin, and let the engine get up to full operating temp. See if you have a leak, and if the engine is getting warmer than it should. Is it leaking from the passenger side, toward the middle of the motor? Might be a freeze plug....... wear some grubbies when you go for the test drive, and bring a flashlight, see if you can see where the leak is...... Let us know what you find.

 

Its definitely somewhere in the lower right side of the radiator this time around. No coolant leak at all in most circumstance, including the spin I just took?

Thank you "HeyYou" for all your assistance in trying to help me nail this down.

 

Right side of the radiator from which perspective? The drivers seat? Or standing in front of the truck facing the radiator? Let's make it easier.... Drivers or passenger side?

 

Drivers side...

I appologize as "Right side" is normally interpereted as "Passenger side"- Bad call on my part.