Where did the Water Go?

SANTA Ray

SANTA Ray

Member
Last weekend we traveled to the GA mountains about a 400 mile trip overall. Going up and back I used a gallon of water both directions. The heat was high mid 90's with a heat index of 101 deg. The terrain was rolling hills with a few moderate climbs. Should this be considered normal? The oil is clean and no bubbles. No apparent signs of any leaks. The car ran fine as usual and water is only added infrequently and then probably much less than a pint. Engine is solid and has about 15K since last rebuild.

Should I be looking for a cause or chalk it up to high heat and running 45 mph??
 
There's been a lot of talk on this board about the radiator coolant "seeking its level." Fill it to the top, some say, and coolant will find its way out the overflow. Also, if you are missing a baffle or if the overflow is positioned just so, the water surging back into the radiator can exit the same way. There's also the outside chance that the car was running "fine" and the coolant was 212 + degrees F. Could have been making some steam.
I think I'd continue to check it everytime I stop for coffee or to water the corn! If you get the same results at a lower speed or on a cooler day, you may want to worry some more.
 
I would say adding the water was o.k.
Its been hot here in SC/GA. I have had to add a little to bring it up to
the baffle plate. But I was not driving 400 miles.
 
Try installing a thermostat. That cured my car from having to add 2 to 3 quarts every 50 miles.

I have an original radiator and see it has a thin coating of grime or grease. Right now I'm looking for the thread on which is the best liquid soap to use to remove it.
 
I only fill my radiator to the bottom of the baffel, allowing room for expansion; have found, with a good radiator, it seeks its own level; add an extra pint and it will overflow the extra pint.

Ron
 
I had the same thing. After posting about it I concluded that it was just finding its own level (well below the baffle ) However while working on the car in my garage I got my son to rev it up. At high revs it was leaking (lots) from the water pump but not at the idle speed at which I had checked for leaks. Of course at high revs the engine was hot and when I had checked after a run any leakage had evaporated . Rebuilt water pump and the radiator has found it's level now which is well above the baffle -Karl
 
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