Coolant leaking but never overheats

TONIMET

MEMBER
2004 DODGE INTREPID
160 MILES

Alot like all these other people, I have had the same problem for years. When I first bought the car I put it in because on a coolant leak but while it was there we got everything else done, brakes, tires, rotors, oil change ect (2300.) Later still would leak. Still would leak with no visible evidence. Got new cap it would go months without leaking, then leak, fixed hoses would go months again never leaking or overheating. Finally, 3 years of back and forth hundreds of dollars it finally smokes and gage starts to go upick it dies at a red light. I finally get the nerve to let it go and junk it. Since it was at a red light I had it towed well days later the honest tow man calls and says "this car started right up and runs great it's not a blown head, it wouldn't run this good." Lol. So I drove it home it stated smoking bt not overheating around the front part of the car some where. I just don't know what to do please help.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,910 POSTS

You might consider adding a small bottle of dark purple dye to the coolant, then check a day or two later with a black light. The dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source of the leak. Auto parts stores will have the correct dye for the fluid being checked, and those that rent or borrow tools should have a black light.

In my city, they make you buy the tools, then you get a full refund when you take it back. If you decide to keep a tool, you still return it, then they order or give you a brand new one.

You might want to look at this article too:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test