Coolant overflow

Tiny
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No symptoms. Oil is fine, there's no bubbles on cold starts, or bubbles when the engine is running. I don't see anything leaking around the block, or on the floor in that case. Never one overheated on me. Hose temperatures look normal, just a weird issue. I notice it gets low maybe after 2 or 3 drives?
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Saturday, April 16th, 2022 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
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Is there any white smoke from the exhaust? If it drops that fast, it is going somewhere and not evaporating.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 16th, 2022 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
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Nope, no white smoke on startup and no smoke while driving. It’s odd.
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Saturday, April 16th, 2022 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If there are no odors and nothing on the ground, check to make sure the carpet on the passenger side isn't wet. There could be a leak at the heater core.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 16th, 2022 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
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Nothing. No visible dampness or wetness on the passenger side. I mentioned before, the heat works very well. I feel like I'm chasing a ghost, haha. It does smell a little damp on some mornings but that's because I'm waiting for my new weatherstrips to get in.
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Sunday, April 17th, 2022 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I have a thought and would like you to check something. Engine coolant performs best under pressure. That is why the system is pressurized. If you have a faulty radiator cap or there is corrosion around the filler that prevents the rubber gasket on the cap from properly sealing, two things will happen. First, you will see coolant go into the overflow under much less pressure and the coolant will have a much higher rate of evaporation.

So, and don't laugh, when the engine is at operating temperature, squeeze the upper radiator hose. It should be solid due to pressure. Let me know what you find with that first.

Next, remove the radiator cap and inspect the filler location for corrosion built up that would prevent the cap from fully seating.

If there is nothing causing a poor seal and the hose is somewhat soft at operating temperature, I recommend either having your cap pressure tested or just replace it.

It's a theory at this point, but in my mind, it makes sense because there is no evidence of a leak or a head gasket issue.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, April 17th, 2022 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
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I had already done that, and the hose is solid at operating temperature. I’ll take up on getting the system pressure checked to see if I can see something. Thank you so much for your time and all your work.
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Sunday, April 17th, 2022 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

First, you are very welcome, but we need to figure this out. Has the radiator cap been replaced, or pressure tested?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, April 18th, 2022 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
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Well, unfortunately I think the inevitable happened out of nowhere. You might’ve called the head gasket from the beginning. This morning I decided to check my coolant and it was slightly filmy. Check my oil and there was a line of milk going down (try to see in the picture). Still no smoke from exhaust or anything, I’m assuming we just caught it very early.
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Monday, April 18th, 2022 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

It's a bit difficult to tell from the pic, but if there is coolant mixing with the oil, in most cases it is a head gasket.

I don't know when you are due for an oil change, but when you drain it, pay attention to see if there is more evidence.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Monday, April 18th, 2022 AT 2:27 PM

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