dreaded coolant level warning

[scapistron]

I would suggest doing a cheap exhaust gas test on the coolant tank. I so wish I would have done that first.

None of us want to do this test for fear of it being positive, but it is the right thing to do.

 

[ftillier]

Would a head gasket issue lead to coolant smell at the front? I'll probably start with the pressure test, because I suspect that's the issue given the smell. If that comes out negative, I'll do the combustion gas test.

 

[RoverTide]

Would a head gasket issue lead to coolant smell at the front? I'll probably start with the pressure test, because I suspect that's the issue given the smell. If that comes out negative, I'll do the combustion gas test.

Depends on why the coolant is leaking in the engine area... I know of 2 scenarios: 1. The Y-pipe, Crossover pipe, or other hoses and connections failed purely because they got brittle and cracked due to heat cycles, or 2. the head gasket has failed and created too much pressure for the plastic parts and rubber gaskets in the cooling system to handle and they fail. In my case, it was the latter... I just wasted so much time and money thinking it was the former. Both scenarios will fail the pressure test, but you don't want to spend a bunch of money fixing scenario 1, only to find out you are really dealing with scenario 2.

If you can see coolant leaking, there is no need to do a pressure test, unless you just need to pinpoint the leak. Hence, putting the exhaust gas leak 1st, may be a better idea.

My intent is not to scare you. It's just to potentially save you time, money, and aggravation by putting a simple, inexpensive, test further up in the diagnostic sequence. @scapistron is right though... nobody wants to do this test for fear of what it may tell them.

 

[ftillier]

Not scared, I appreciate the detailed answer, it makes a lot of sense. The coolant pipes are all relatively fresh, only 3 years old and 25k miles and I have not seen any coolant leaks. Just the coolant low warning and the smell after struggling up that hill. Looks like HF have both the tool for testing for carbon in the coolant, as well as the pressure tester with an LR-compatible cap.

 

[RoverTide]

Not scared, I appreciate the detailed answer, it makes a lot of sense. The coolant pipes are all relatively fresh, only 3 years old and 25k miles and I have not seen any coolant leaks. Just the coolant low warning and the smell after struggling up that hill. Looks like HF have both the tool for testing for carbon in the coolant, as well as the pressure tester with an LR-compatible cap.

FWIW, I bought the pressure tester tool from HF as well.. Had to return it because it was so poorly made and would not maintain a seal. I ended up renting one from O'reilly auto parts that had metal adapters.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[jlglr4]

The coolant low warning is based on the sensor in the overflow reservoir. Maybe the hill was steep enough that the coolant in the reservoir moved to the side and exposed the sensor. Can’t explain the smell - uphill or level shouldn’t make any difference to the rest of the system which should be completely full. The caps do vent if there is enough pressure - or maybe a small leak in the valley as mentioned above.

 

[Longtrail]

Can you see any coolant in the valley, on mine it was pretty easy to see down by the Y crossover pipe. I think the o'ring on the oil coolant pipe is often the culprit of slow leaks.

 

[M32H32IS]

Well, mine failed the exhaust gas test.

That sucks BC this is my second engine. I replaced it about 50k miles ago.

Guess I’m on to my 3rd…

 

[scapistron]

this is my second engine. I replaced it about 50k miles ago

Where did your replacement come from?

You can probably "just" replace the head gaskets.

 

[M32H32IS]

At this point I’m trying to find a factory long block. Rumor has it they’re still available.