Coolant loss

Tiny
BWAE
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 TOYOTA STARLET
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
My problem is with a Toyota Starlet than frequently loses coolant out of the overflow container. I do about 5 hours travel a week and during that time I have to top it up twice. My temperature gauge is reading as normal but when I park the car I can hear gurgling noises and if left overnight there is a pool of coolant underneath in the morning. I have replaced the radiator cap but it doesnt seem to have done anything. Hope you can advise.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 7:20 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
You have a leak obviously. Could be waterpump or anything related to the cooling system. The location of the spot might help in determining the area to be investigated. Hose connections are always suspect as the vibration of the motor can cause cracks/rips/holes where clamps are afixed. It could be the overflow or it's hoses. Start there if the leak location looks to be under that area.
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check the radiator cap and its seat at the radiator neck. It seems to be unable to hold pressure resulting in coolant being pushed out to the reservior.

A bad radiator cap or uneven seat can cause the symptoms described.
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 8:42 PM

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