Radiator Coolant Expansion

[OldForester]

I have a question for others relative to the amount of coolant expansion that's normal. We have about 13,000 miles on our '06, I added coolant at about 5000 miles to get the level in the radiator expansion tank sight glass up to the 1/2 way mark when it was cold. Since that time, every time I stop the engine when it's warm, I get a few drops of overflow on the ground from the expansion tank.

When the engine's warm, the coolant sight glass is full. When it's cold, I can barely see any coolant in the glass (it's as low as it can go and still see some coolant).

If I keep the engine running when I stop, I often don't get any overflow, or at the most a drop or two. But if I shut the engine down, I get about a 2" diameter spot of coolant on the ground. We just made a 2600 mile trip in the last 3 weeks and it did this every time I stopped; rest area, end of day, etc.

The engine runs around 195 degrees, +/-3 or 4 degrees, so that's normal.

I'm wondering if I need a new cap on the expansion tank--I have re-tightened it several times and it makes no difference. Perhaps the cap isn't allowing the system to pressurize properly? Or do others have the same situation as me and should I just let it keep going until the coolant gets low enough it won't do this.

Any ideas would be welcome.

[OldForester]

I have a question for others relative to the amount of coolant expansion that's normal. We have about 13,000 miles on our '06, I added coolant at about 5000 miles to get the level in the radiator expansion tank sight glass up to the 1/2 way mark when it was cold. Since that time, every time I stop the engine when it's warm, I get a few drops of overflow on the ground from the expansion tank.

When the engine's warm, the coolant sight glass is full. When it's cold, I can barely see any coolant in the glass (it's as low as it can go and still see some coolant).

If I keep the engine running when I stop, I often don't get any overflow, or at the most a drop or two. But if I shut the engine down, I get about a 2" diameter spot of coolant on the ground. We just made a 2600 mile trip in the last 3 weeks and it did this every time I stopped; rest area, end of day, etc.

The engine runs around 195 degrees, +/-3 or 4 degrees, so that's normal.

I'm wondering if I need a new cap on the expansion tank--I have re-tightened it several times and it makes no difference. Perhaps the cap isn't allowing the system to pressurize properly? Or do others have the same situation as me and should I just let it keep going until the coolant gets low enough it won't do this.

Any ideas would be welcome.

[VAGABONDMAN]

I TOO HAD THIS PROBLEM AND JUST LET THE LIQUID LEVEL GET ABOUT A 1/2" LOW AND IT STOPPED.

[Old Scout]

I believe the correct method for checking coolant is to check it when engine is hot and running--correct level is half way up glass view window. Under these conditions, makes it hard to judge the correct amount to add.
As for leaks, need to check all the small hoses, I ended up double clamping all of the heater hoses [connection at top rear of engine block is a problem]. Also check the prongs on the pressure cap--they get bent out and wont let the internal spring-loaded gasket seal correctly.

[chris cross]

OldForester:
You may find this of some interest. I've had my tank in for over a year and not added coolant in 20,000 miles.
http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9686094452/m/9211038661/p/1

[OldForester]

Thanks for all the replies on the coolant. I think I'll try letting it go down to 1/2 way on the sight glass when hot and see if it stops overflowing, as VAGABONDMAN did. I think I'll also get the cap pressure tested.

If those don't work, the plastic milk jug to recover the coolant will be my next try.

You gave me some good ideas, and that's what this forum is supposed to be about.

[Dave Fernandez]

I purchased a coolant recovery system and a radiator cap to stop the overflow. First I replaced my Radiator Cap and the overflow stopped and the coolant recovery system is still in the garage.

[APEXMAN]

Try putting the over flow tube in a plastic jug.It fixed mt coolent loss.