1 litre coolant loss normal?

[wifiabc]

Is a coolant loss of 1 litre every 14 days considered normal for a 15 year old Toyota Windom? The mechanic did a pressure test and couldn't find any obvious leaks but he suspect that it could be the water pump. He checked the engine oil and it did not show any signs of coolant in it. So far, there is no signs of overheating, maybe because I checked the coolant level every morning and once the level at the plastic reservoir tank falls to low, I would top it up to full.

There is white smoke during the first start in the morning only. I was told this is to be expected because of condensation. In the current weather, the car body, windscreen and windows are all covered in dew/condensation in the mornings because it is parked outside.

[toyomoho]

No, not normal. The coolant system should stay pretty much the same quantity over time.

How much white smoke? If a lot, not normal. Could be oil, take a quick whiff.


A shop can test the coolant for exhaust gases indicating a cracked head or block. If water pump, there is usually a hole in the housing where the driven shaft bearing is. If water is coming out here, the pump bearing seal is bad.

How is the coolant overflow tank, if plastic these can crack. Same for the upper and lower radiator covers, these can be made of plastic and crack.

If loosing this much water strange the shop can not find the problem.

[Kingdom934]

I would have to agree with the previous post. Not normal by any means. Even my 22 year old Camry doesn't use that much antifreeze.

Since there isn't any coolant in the oil (that would mean head gasket), I'm thinking of a hair line crack on the radiator.

Was there any kind of 'milkshake' color under the oil cap? That would be one sign of a gasket leak but I doubt that is the issue since the compression test was done and pass.

[wifiabc]

I find it strange too. Wouldn't a pressure test show up any problems with the coolant system? I have been looking at the water pump area but I can't see any leaks there. I'm wondering whether to replace the water pump just yet because the mechanic only said he suspect a water pump leak.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Captain Ahi]

You might want to get another coolant test done. There's a test that checks the coolant for the presents of hydrocarbons. Get that one done, it'll tell you if you have combustion leaking into your coolant.