Hello,

I have recently replaced a radiator on my 2005 T&C ( I have also replace one before (same make) on GC 2001) and there is something that I don't understand. There are no leaks, no overheating, the fans turn when they need to. I filled the radiator with premixed coolant and also made sure that the reservior is filled within limits between min and max.
After a week of driving I noticed that the coolant level dropped below min and i had to refill again. So I wondered where I "loose" the coolant. Today I filled again and with the hood open I monitored the coolant level. As soon as the engine became hot the coolant rose above the max level and was near the overflow opening. So, my guess was that as i drove the lever was rising and eventually spat out through the overflow.
I have no idea why is this happening. The GC has been running over a year now and the coolant always stays between min and max. I understand that some of it may evaporate in hot temps but don't quite understand why is it being pushed out.
Any suggestion are as always greatly appreciated.

 

Head to an AutoZone or the like and sign out a cooling system pressure tester. Pump the pressure up and see if it holds pressure. If it doesn't and you can't see an obvious leak there's a good chance a head gasket is leaking. A typical symptom is white vapor out the exhaust pipe but that's not a given. You'll then need a test kit to check for exhaust leaking into the coolant from the gasket. I wouldn't drive it much more until these are ruled out.

 

Hi Cougar41,

Thanks for your suggestions (as always!). The good thing is that there is no white smoke/vapor so far but yes, the head gasket may be a possibility. The van just reached 135k. I'll see if I can get the system pressure tester and will post the outcome.

Thanks

 

Bad radiator cap? or was is alrdy replaced by the one came with the New Radiator?