RACER47

Ive been loosing antifreeze since the first day. I cant find any leaks externaly, so im wondering if its going in the engine. I know i can do a pressure test, but would a oil test tell me if there was antifreeze in the oil? If so, does that mean bad head gasket?

anyone else had this same prob.

Jeff in TD

I would think sending the oil in would tell you if that is where it is going.

The other possibility would be the heater core, and the coolant dribbling out with the condensation from the AC.

krh

Im guessing your oil isnt all milky or anything eh? If your losing a substantial amount into your oil it could be as bad as a cracked head. Tho im not familiar enough to say. its not smoking white is it? You could be burning the coolant off through a head gasket leak as well. your right by starting with the oil sample tho.

Spooler

First, check the most common places for leaks.

1. At the overflow tube at the radiator cap. Put a clamp or ziptie on the hose.

2. Behind the turbo at where the heater hoses hook up.

RACER47

No external leaks, and no white smoke. Any way to pinpoint the leak, head gasket, cracked head?

krh

to see if its getting to compression take your rad cap off when the truck is cool and shut down. Top the fluid up until you can see it. Start the machine and run it at high idle, you should see bubbles for five or ten minutes at which point it should smooth out as all the air gets out and the thermostat opens. If its bubbling like crazy and blowing everywere you could be getting compression into your coolant.
You can also get a pressure tester. Little hand pump and an adapter to replace your rad cap. Screw it on and pump it up, it should hold pressure. If its not you have a leak. Should try it with the engine cold and hot, incase a crack is expanding with the heat to eitehr open or close.
It doesnt matter whether its head gasket or head itself at this point as either way you have to pull the head. You just need to be sure that it is infact getting into the cylinders.
When the time comes to take it apart you'll be able to tell if the head gasket has been leaking as you should see a break in the gasket. If you dont you can get the head pressure tested.
Im sure someone else will have some ideas as well.

powderman426

Like Spooler said : Check the overflow hose. I was wondering where my was going then found it was a slow drip under the bottom of the hose. Not enough to see it easily. I put on a clamp, and problem solved.

RACER47

I am loosing around 3/4 of the overflow bottle every 2-3 mo.
I have looked at all the places it could be leaking, and cant find anything.

krh

spend the money on that pressure testing setup or take it in. Should give you a start. NAPA or any store like that should sell them