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Where is the coolant going?

1.8K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  tedmich  
#1 ·
Hello everyone we have a 200 toyota camry, the check engine light has been on for about a month I think, we replaced a post on the battery that had come loose, we've had the oil changed, checked all the fluids but it won't turn off. Every time we check the coolant there is barely any there or it's empty and this is every 2 days maybe. We see no leaking, the engine doesn't seem to be over heating, it's not running weird but the check engine light is always on and we have no idea where the coolant is going. If anyone has any suggestions for us it's very much appreciated.
 
#3 ·
^+1 Most auto parts stores will read the codes for free. Just stop in and ask.

As for the coolant disappearing, look closely all around, particularly where the hoses attach. Look for deposits of white-ish crusty stuff. Sometimes coolant leaks are slow enough, or dripping onto something hot enough that they don't leave a puddle under the car. Instead, the liquid evaporates away and leaves deposits like that.
 
#5 ·
^Yeah, this is also a possibility. There is a DIY test kit that checks for exhaust gases in the coolant. Ask about it at an auto parts store. It can also be leaking in to the oil, so pull the dipstick and check; if the oil looks like chocolate milk, that's coolant in the oil.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Just don't confuse the white smoke from the exhaust which is common upon start up and can be from normal condensation with the white smoke from a head gasket leak which will be there even after the engine is warmed up. A very small leak may not produce enough smoke to be readily visible.

For the OP- I hope you just mean the small plastic tank is empty and not the actual radiator/cooling system.
 
#9 ·
^^ yah the #2 cylinder was the one "under water" and it had markedly less carbon build up than the other three, and the spark plug had a little rust color on the ceramic insulator up top too. The "coolant cleans carbon" thing was noticed back in the day by mechanics and incorporated in a "de-carbonizing" treatment which actually called for injecting coolant into the spark plug holes sequentially and burning it out!

The white smoke in the exhaust (electing a new pope) only happens with BIG leaks; you can happily miss the first few gallons of coolant in the exhaust especially if its "non-condensing" weather ie warm and dry.