We own a used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. In two months time we have lost most all the antifreeze. It is driven daily an hour, 30 miles back and forth. There are no signs of leaking. No sweet smell or steaming in engine compartment when hot. No sweet smell from exhaust upon starting when cold. Looking for ideas of what to look at before spending a lot of money at shop.

 

Is the coolant a reddish color (ie rusty)? I've had leaks from pinholes in a freeze plug and from steel flanges where the hoses connect to the block. Put your focus anything that could rust in the system and look for that reddish stain that rusty coolant leaves on the block.

PS not my fault with the rust situation, I had to have a shop replace the water pump for me as I was too far from home and they refilled it with nothing but water. Water is the best coolant but it rusted the heck out of everything.

 

Sign out a cooling system pressure tester from most auto parts stores. Connect it where the rad cap goes. Pump it up to 15 psi and see if it holds pressure. It likely won't. Keep pressure on it and look around for a leak. No leak? You likely have coolant flowing into a cylinder via a bad head gasket. Make sure the engine oil isn't contaminated.

BTW - There's many youtube videos on the subject.

 

Thank you!! No the coolant is not rusty. Did pressure tester. It's the radiator. Did check the oil and saw no milky film. Can always trust quick responses and spot on advice!!

 

Well hey, thanks for YOUR quick response. Glad to hear you're on your way to a fix. Keep us posted.