Losing coolant but not overheating

I apologize if this has been covered somewhere, I searched but could not find an answer to my current issue.

I have a 97 SC that I drive alot....I bought it about 16 months ago and have put almost 40,000 miles on it since then, it has about 125,000 on it now. I travel back and forth from Tn to Ga every weekend, two weekends ago my low coolant light came on but went back out about 2 - 3 minutes later, did it once again on the trip, came on and then went back out. This past weekend my wife drove the car from Tn to Ga, before she left, I looked and found the coolant recovery tank was empty. I added water to it and sent her on her way. The car did fine, light never came on.....perfect trip. Yesterday she stopped at a gas station and noticed that a small puddle of coolant was leaking from under the car. She got the car home and after inspection, I noticed the tank was empty again and the radiator was slightly low. I topped the radiator up with 50/50 and the tank with water, I have now driven the car on short trips with no issues, no overheating and no indications of the engine getting any hotter than normal. I do however see a small spot, about 6 inch diameter, on the driveway, doesn't smell like coolant, it seems to be clear but is oily feeling.

I had the LIM gaskets replaced about 6 - 8 months ago, so I don't believe that this is an issue....and also do not see substantially wet areas under the hood, on the hoses or around the radiatior.

Can anyone give me some advice on what they think the issue might be. I am supposed to leave GA tomorrow and head back to TN, if I watch my levels closely does anyone see an issue with driving it? I have a mechanic in TN that I really trust and would like to get it to him, but obviously can't take a chance on overheating and causing serious damage.

I would bet a tiny hole in the plastic end tanks. Mine did it for a long time before I found it.

I've had the same problem for most of this year. Have been adding water in small amounts all summer. Mine is seeping near the top of the radiator, and I've noticed once the level drops below the hole, it no longer leaks. Until it gets worse, I'm living with it. Probably will get me through the winter, then replace in spring.

PS - my leak is on the driver side, very close to the upper coolant hose. Absolutely no overheating problems so far.

...just repair or replace the radiator. However if you want to know where the leak is first, you can get a bottle of dye at larger parts stores, add it to the rad when cold, you can then find the leak with a UV light believe me you'll have No Problem spotting it.

My UV "telltale" light is a cheapie "blacklight" fluorescent "twist" bulb I got from Home Depot, you could get one most any hardware or larger department store. The incandescent black lights stink but the fluorescent ones work fine for this. So I keep it on the shelf and when I need it I remove the regular trouble light's bulb and put the 'blacklight' twistie in its place.

Albertj

AA let me know when you are ready - I still have that brand new Delco radiator!

deekster_caddy wrote:

AA let me know when you are ready - I still have that brand new Delco radiator!

Such A Deal!