Losing coolant, no visible leak

REDROSERUM

MEMBER
2009 SCION TC
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

So, my coolant has been magically disappearing. Filled it two days ago and found it almost bone dry this morning. Radiator cap looks to be in good condition still and I'm not seeing any white smoke from the exhaust or radiator cap anywhere. Oil levels have stayed steady as well. From what I can see all the hoses are still in good shape. I've been having starter issues as well but I'm not sure if they are at all related. The longer I wait to start it the harder it is to start. Acts almost as if the battery is going dead if I wait more than 18ish hours to start it up but the battery is testing fine.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

When you say starter, do you mean it won't turn the engine? I ask because coolant could be getting into a cylinder and causing a hydrostatic lock. However, I would think you would see it in the oil.

Does the vehicle have a misfire? Is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running?

Also, do me a favor. Feel the carpet on the passenger side of the vehicle. See if it is getting wet. Also, pay attention to see if there is a sweet odor in the vehicle or anywhere around it.

Here is a link you may find of interest. It explains how to test for a faulty head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

If you are losing that much coolant and see no leaks, either it is going out the exhaust (may not see white smoke if there is no ignition in the cylinder) or it is leaking into the vehicle via the heater core.

Let me know. Also, if you could record it cranking when it acts as a starter issue and upload it for me to hear, it may help. If I am correct and that is what happens, the starter doesn't turn the engine properly, remove the spark plugs and crank the engine to see if coolant comes out of one or more cylinders.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 7:28 PM

REDROSERUM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So, she'll start up but when I haven't started it in a while she struggles to. It literally sounds exactly as if the battery was draining. Like if you leave your lights on and go to start it, it makes that weird cranking noise than starts. The check engine light does not stay on and so far, no misfires. Passenger side floor feels slightly moist but not damp by any means. I'm not smelling any sweet odor although my smell is not the best right now because of allergies. I can upload a video for sound tomorrow morning when I start it up. Thanks for the link. I appreciate the help.

Best regards,
Mallory

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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM

REDROSERUM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So, I started her up this morning and for some reason she started normal. However checked my coolant again and found it had dropped to about half full since I filled it yesterday but I didn't take her anywhere since I filled it.

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Friday, May 27th, 2022 AT 8:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

And there is no evidence of a leak? Water seeks its own level. So, suspect the leak is above the level of coolant in the radiator.

There are only three places it could have gone, on the ground, in the engine, or in the vehicle (passenger side floor) due to a heater core issue.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Since the vehicle wasn't even run since you filled it, it isn't pressure related. It must have an open leak somewhere.

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, May 27th, 2022 AT 9:41 PM