So I checked my engine out and saw that my antifreeze reservoir was empty. didn't look like anything was loose took some pics. Just sprayed my engine down with warm pressure washer.

last mod was me taking off my ac compressor. Been hearing a vacuum sound since then. Ill refill the fluid and update.

 

First off, that coolant desperately needs to be flushed and changed

 

Should I get some to add since the resevoir is low beforehand?

 

What do you have in your radiator? The last time I heard antifreeze was still green and not white. I would check the oil for antifreeze. If you are loosing that much coolant and it isn't spraying all over. I has to be going somewhere. And the white in your rad does not look good!!!

 

Absolutely. I wouldn't waste money putting new fluid in just to drain it. I'd drain, flush, and refill. ASAP. Adding a little to the reservoir/overflow tank ain't gonna make any difference one way or the other. Your radiator's full.

I've seen cleaner water in a mudhole.

 

I agree. You need to flush and fill your cooling system. And address any other cooling system parts while you are at it like thermostat, hoses, etc.

As for leaks, they are difficult for us to help you with. With a warm engine and fully pressurized cooling system, get under the vehicle with a good light and start snooping. A cooling system pressure test can be helpful if leak is difficult to find.

Tolerate NO leaks. Small leaks can turn into big leaks in a microsecond and that can mean bigger fish to fry like a tow and engine damage.

 

To me, that last pic looks like the tell-tale signs of a coolant leak. If the bottle is empty, that means coolant is being replaced with air.....not good. Time for some XJ TLC.

(Ok '96, I couldn't resist........again).

 

looks great!

Finishing the semester this week then time to get on it.

 

The leak is from the heater core. my floor is really damp and passenger side is noticeable too.

I only get that vacuum sound when the engine is running.

 

it was a combo of things. leaking heater control valve, unplugged hvac controller on dash (made the vaccum door sound). The leak wasn't from heater core it was the evaporator core on passenger side. Wet floor on driver side was from frame damage from previous owner....put some foam sealant underneath.....