Engine overheating and losing coolant but holds pressure

SUSANNAH BACON

MEMBER
1996 MITSUBISHI DELICA
TURBO
4WD
MANUAL
500,000 MILES

We had all the engine hoses replaced but it still loses coolant somewhere. The engine has been pressure tested and seems okay there. Once we have topped up the coolant it will be fine for a week or so then we will notice the temperature creeping up when driving, come back down then creep up again. At that point we add more coolant before driving again.
The radiator cap has also been replaced. There is always a release of pressure when the cap is removed.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

If there are no visible leaks under the hood, check if there is any steam when the engine is hot.

Next, it isn't uncommon for the heater core to leak. If that happens, often times the coolant ends up in the vehicle. Check the floor in the front of the vehicle to see if it is wet.

Next, the water pump is another issue. There is a weep hole on the pump housing where coolant can leak when the bearing or seal begins to fail on the pump. Check that as well.

Worst case is a bad head gasket. Usually you will either notice white smoke from the exhaust, a tan creamy substance in the engine oil, or even oil in the coolant. Check that too.

Here are a few links to help:

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-water-pump

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

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

Let me know if any of this helps.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, December 29th, 2019 AT 10:40 PM

SUSANNAH BACON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Joe. Slowly working my way through the possibilities.
There is no evidence of water in the oil (white smoke, creamy emulsion on the dip stick. Oil in the water is harder to check as looking into the reservoir is really hard). There are no obvious leaks or hissing from the engine. No coolant leaking inside the passenger door well. I have not found the water pump yet (next task on Google).
I will keep you posted as I eliminate possibilities. :)

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2019 AT 5:08 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Let me know what you find. I don't have access to technical info on this vehicle because it isn't offered in the US. So, I'm interested in knowing what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2019 AT 8:50 PM

Engine overheating and losing coolant but holds pressure

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