Following the replacement of my main radiator, most of the coolant hoses and the rear crossover pipe, I had some self-inflicted leaks as a result of forgetting to install a hose clamp and not seating a coolant hose press fitting completely. There were no visible leaks, but I could smell coolant after driving the vehicle. A static pressure test indicated a loss of pressure and finally I could see some very small leaks.
I have an ODB II display on my dash, that I set to display the coolant temperature. The temperature would never go about 195F. The temperature would remain relatively low all the time, even under heavier engine load. It would never overheat.
After I fixed all the leaks and the static pressure was stable, I noticed the temperature would go up to 204F under load. After researching this, I discovered that coolant temperature remains lower if there is a leak. See summary below. You don't notice this temperature change on the dashboard gauge, but my digital readout was clear.
I assume folks who work on vehicles day to day might be aware of this, but I was not
A small coolant leak often causes lower-than-normal engine temperatures because it introduces air into the system, reducing circulation and lowering heat transfer efficiency. Reduced coolant volume often leads to a sluggish thermostat operation, while a faulty radiator cap failing to maintain pressure causes coolant to vaporize and escape, leading to low, non-viscous levels that fail to hold heat.
I have an ODB II display on my dash, that I set to display the coolant temperature. The temperature would never go about 195F. The temperature would remain relatively low all the time, even under heavier engine load. It would never overheat.
After I fixed all the leaks and the static pressure was stable, I noticed the temperature would go up to 204F under load. After researching this, I discovered that coolant temperature remains lower if there is a leak. See summary below. You don't notice this temperature change on the dashboard gauge, but my digital readout was clear.
I assume folks who work on vehicles day to day might be aware of this, but I was not
A small coolant leak often causes lower-than-normal engine temperatures because it introduces air into the system, reducing circulation and lowering heat transfer efficiency. Reduced coolant volume often leads to a sluggish thermostat operation, while a faulty radiator cap failing to maintain pressure causes coolant to vaporize and escape, leading to low, non-viscous levels that fail to hold heat.
