forgot the coolent

[Jarwulf]

Turned on my car Camry 99 4cylinder. When it was in park the engine was reeving really high but putting it in drive seemed to fix it. I took a short trip, when I was headed pack I noticed the temp gauge was straight at the top. I immediately stopped and checked the coolant tank. Empty with steam coming out of the radiator. I typically only check the coolant every once in awhile so I don't know how long it had been empty. I filled it with coolent and drove around. The temp gauge was fine then shot up again then settled down and stayed that way. I lifted the hood again and the compartment was empty again but no leaks I could detect from the bottom, just some moisture around the radiator pipe at the very front of the car. I refilled it again hoping it would stay filled this time. If I can get the coolant level to remain steady. I was wondering if it is worth the risk driving it around as long as I stop regularly and check the coolant to refill. There doesn't seem to be any symptoms yet aside from what I just mentioned.

[Kenny_McCormic]

It has to be going somewhere, check the oil and trans fluid for water contamination. if that doesn't bring up anything, pull the spark plugs and inspect them, if one of the insulators inside the plug is noticeably lighter(white instead of tan) than the other plugs, you likely have a blown head gasket.

[the_professional]

I doubt it would be a blown head gasket. Trust me, you know when it's blown.

Check the radiator hoses that they are both hot (upper & lower). Ensure that there are no leaks, you probably will have to 'burp' the air out of the radiator too, as it ran dry. & obviously for leaks.