1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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Hello, everyone, and thanks in advance for any suggestions.
In short, 1997 CSE, auto; 125,000+/- miles with unexplained coolant leak.
Noticed coolant level in reservoir going down three or four months ago in my wife's car, which is only driven three or four times a month. Generally needed 1 to 2 quarts to top off. Eventually looked for leaks, or signs of a leak, and didn't notice anything. Reported it to my indy Saab specialist and he suggested we wait until it got worse so the leak could be identified.
While monitoring the fills, leak amount, etc., it seemed as if the leaks occured when the car was shut down, not running. But it was intermittent. Some times the car would sit for a week, and be down a quart or two. Other times, the reservoir would be exactly as it was the last time it was driven.
There doesn't seem to be any sign that the reservoir cap is leaking, although on the passenger side of the engine there is some oxidation and some rust showing. Whether that's a recent development or not, I don't know.
About a week ago we stopped the car, left it and returned 40 minutes later to a large puddle of coolant on the ground - 2 quarts? As I was carrying a 50/50 mixture in the trunk just for this contingency, topped it off and with a prayer set out directly for home. Stopped at about 15 minutes to check level (check engine and "radiator" light had indicated a problem), and found level down a couple quarts again. Topped it off, drove another 10 miles, parked car, and didn't look at it for a week.
Yesterday, decided it was the day to deal with the problem. Checked level, and it's exactly where it was the last time I topped it off. Drove the car up on portable ramps, ran it a bit, and shut down. No apparent leaks.
It seems that when the car is shut down, something either allows coolant to leak, or stops turning in such a manner that it blocks whatever is leaking.
Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on how I can diagnose this problem?
Thanks in advance.
Rick
posted by 66.32.9...
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