noeffort

I have a 99 taurus wagon with 95k miles. I just topped off the reservoir with coolant and about 30 miles later I'm down about 1/3 of a gallon (happened twice). I don't see any leaks when I'm parked or any signs of a leak. I checked oil level and it's ok.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

RickMN

EAsiest way to check is to have a cooling system pressure check done. However, the reservoir bottles are known to develop cracks. Check that first.

__________________
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/

noeffort

Thanks, I was thinking of replacing the cap. I checked on line and I can get the reservoir and cap for $25. I will replace
that myself and if it doesnt work I will do as you suggest.
Thanks again!!!!

frumpy

I had this happen also but mine was mixing in with the oil which meant bad head gasket

__________________
NASCAR because football,baseball,and basketball require only one ball

noeffort

I checked oil level - no change since I "lost" 1 gal. of coolent. Also I think I would of seen a sign of the antifreeze on the dipstick (looks and smells normal).

frumpy

You're right,mine had the milky look on the dipstick.Lucky you

__________________
NASCAR because football,baseball,and basketball require only one ball

noeffort

For future ref., did dealer replace head gasket and how much?
Thanks

frumpy

Had my mechanic give me an estamite and he said around $1,000 and of course that's all labor.I'm told it's like 2 day job??

__________________
NASCAR because football,baseball,and basketball require only one ball

jwko

I went through this a a few months back with my 01, it was the reservoir that was leaking. I could never see anything on the ground but I could smell the antifreeze. I searched for the leak but could never find it. Then one day we were parked on a down hill slope and we noticed it dripping. While I had the reservoir out I went ahead and changed out the waterpump as it is easy to do w/o the bottle in place.

noeffort

Just pulled out the reservoir, there were some cracks on the bottom. The plastic was thick, I wouldn't think it would crack like that.
Good idea to replace the water pump, wish I had thought of it. I guess I'll replace in the summer when I can do it outside in warm weather with a few cold ones!!!
I'll post tomorrow after I drive around awhile to make sure that was it....

Thanks to everyone!!!