RainShadow

What is the "normal" and/or acceptable coolant loss per month ?

My Tacoma might lose about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of coolant per oil change at most. On my new XJ (2000), I just lost about an inch in a month ?
No real symptoms, change in oil or obvious leaks anywhere.

Should I be worried ??? thanks, Randy from Oceanside

djb383

Zero, zip, nada.

DFlintstone

I've seen posted that sometimes when the 0331 head cracks, you can see ether a whitish line, or even coolant around a crack right under the oil filler cap. Easy enough to check. Any sign of moisture in the oil? On the dipstick or on/ under the cap?

Could be anything! But the 0331 in that 2000 might be a problem.

RainShadow

It is a 2000 XJ , 4.0 L, Auto Trans, 4x4 -- stock, so far ......

I do not see anything unusual.

Oil filler looks fine, color of oil appears fine, no leak that I can see.
Just replaced the Thermostat and Serpentine belt -- hoses look fine.

thanks, Randy

djb383

Again, coolant loss is not "normal". Might want to "pressure test" the cooling systems on both vehicles.

DFlintstone

I believe your head is an 0331. Stamped on the drivers side top edge. Never had one, never worked on one. I've seen here on the forum there is s specific problem with them cracking. I'm sure google will show stuff. "Unexplained coolant loss" is right at the top of the list of what happens. Another thing to watch is coolant in the oil is reported to be death in the engine bearings. That's a new one on me that is's any worse than water.

Anyway watch it! I guess the same "sniffer" that is used for smog can be used to detect Hydrocarbons in the radiator, a sure sign of a crack or an issue with the head gasket.

kirknd4spd

You shouldnt be losing coolant at all. Only time my 87 lost any coolant was when the radiator started leaking.

JeepsAreForSpeed

is it possible the water mixed in it could evaporate out the resevoir cap if it isnt perfectly sealed?

djb383

Properly mixed water/coolant will not evaporate from the bottle. Open system bottles are not sealed. Air must be allowed to enter/exit the bottle as coolant enters/exits.

DFlintstone

Not likely, not that much. That's not under pressure and normally not really hot. (unlike our 90 and earlier expansion bottles on Renix Jeeps),(which ARE hot and under pressure)

Snotzalot

Many times during the winter your various coolant hoses tend to weep a bit. Give all of your clamps a twist.

RainShadow

I will check the clamps again WED after work......

thanks, Randy

cpttuna

do you have a radiator hose that possibly needs tightened?

93bluexj

yeah def shouldnt have any coolant loss. ive got coolant issues myself, after running it hard it likes to throw up through the overflow tank. im still trying to figure it out, it doesnt run hot or anything

DFlintstone

93blue...there is a spring and a seal in the rad cap. If pressure goes past that, coolant goes into the reservoir. Later when the engine cools coolant is drawn back past a small check valve in the cap back into the Radiator.

You might want a new cap if coolant is going into the res when its not hot.


18Lb? Djb would know....