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Losing coolant

Tiny
JAS0822
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 199,900 MILES
So, I am having a problem with coolant loss, it’s not a lot at one time but it’s still dropping faster than it should. There are no external leaks, I’ve done the head gasket fluid test and that came back fine, the oil looks and smells normal, and the exhaust has no scent of coolant. I’ve also done a pressure test and that came back fine. I’ve had the water pump, thermostat, and radiator cap replaced. I don’t know what else to do. Any help is appreciated.
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 8:12 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,877 POSTS
Sometimes when the radiator starts to leak the coolant will dry as fast as it leaks out, so it is difficult to tell what's going on. I would use a flashlight and check both sides of the radiator tanks to look for reddish powder, if so, the radiator needs to be replaced. Here is a guide that can help you find the leak:

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

Also included how to change the radiator just in case, in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
JAS0822
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  • 64 POSTS
It’s holding pressure on a coolant pressure test. Would that happen if the radiator is leaking or if it’s clogged or whatever?
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, if the radiator is leaking it will lose coolant, if it was plugged and can push coolant from the reservoir. How does the radiator look, can you remove the cap and look inside?
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
JAS0822
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
So, I got underneath and noticed that this hose had some built-up gunk on it, is this at all related? It’s about an inch over from my drain plug. Also noticed that the bottom of what I’m pretty sure is my radiator is kind of wet too, I just don’t know if it’s new or not.
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JAS0822
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  • 64 POSTS
Another picture.
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,877 POSTS
Hmm, it is hard to tell if that is your leak or not, I would make sure the coolant is full, then let it run in one place for fifteen minutes and then look under it to see if there are any coolant puddles. Also, the chemical test is only about 70% accurate, you can remove the spark plugs and see if one is clean compared to the others, this will tell you the cylinder that has the leak.
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
JAS0822
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
I let it run with A/C on full blast last night for about 30 minutes, there was nothing.
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I am leaning toward the head gasket, then please remove the spark plugs for inspection.
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
JAS0822
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
Wouldn’t that cause smoke from exhaust?
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Friday, July 15th, 2022 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Not always, if the leak is small and in this heat it can evaporate quickly.
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Friday, July 15th, 2022 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
JAS0822
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  • 64 POSTS
Would I smell it? I don’t smell coolant.
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Friday, July 15th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Okay, so it not a head gasket so that's a good sign. So it loses coolant but doesn't leak, thats a good one, I will ask one of the other experts to help out with this post, I am running out of ideas. I guess 'back to the radiator being bad.
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
JAS0822
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I’m just at a loss at this point.
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
JAS0822
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Any luck?
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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I have shown this to other experts, coolant must leak or be burnt to be missing. I would try the radiator is the only thing we can think of.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 11:13 AM

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