WHERE'S MY COOLANT GOING

[babraunagel]

If there is a small oil/coolant leak, the coolant can burn off without turning the oil into "chocolate milk".

Also, if there is a crack in the heads or block, or if the head gaskets are compromised, you can also get oil in the coolant -- check for any oily substance in the overflow reservoir.

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[da_jokker]

The answer is kind of simple. If you're losing coolant and you're not leaking, it's going out to tail pipe.

But seriously, I thought they had a DYE you could put in and then eventually use special glasses and lights to find anywhere it may be leaking from. If it's a slow leak it could be coming out of a hose attachment slowly or something once everything heats up.

Otherwise, couldn't they do a leak down test to determine if the head is cracked?

I think the biggest challenge is going to be if it's only an issue when things get hot, because all their testing is done when things are cold.

Does the Bronco radiator actually have a cap you can remove? Reservoirs are fine and all, but I still like to be able to pop a cap off (When called of course) and verify. In the older days you could take the cap off, start the engine, and see if they're air bubbles popping up telling you you had a blown head gasket.

 

[Bullet42]

The answer is kind of simple. If you're losing coolant and you're not leaking, it's going out to tail pipe.

But seriously, I thought they had a guy you could put in and then eventually use special glasses and lights to find anywhere it may be leaking from. If it's a slow leak it could be coming out of a hose attachment slowly or something once everything heats up.

Otherwise, couldn't they do a leak down test to determine if the head is cracked?

I think the biggest challenge is going to be if it's only an issue when things get hot, because all their testing is done when things are cold.

Does the Bronco radiator actually have a cap you can remove? Reservoirs are fine and all, but I still like to be able to pop a cap off (When called of course) and verify. In the older days you could take the cap off, start the engine, and see if they're air bubbles popping up telling you you had a blown head gasket.

I saw on one sight…could be here, that the 2.7 on the front belt could rub the radiator hose and cause a small leak. They said use ties to pull the hose back.

 

[Bronco cat]

The answer is kind of simple. If you're losing coolant and you're not leaking, it's going out to tail pipe.

But seriously, I thought they had a guy you could put in and then eventually use special glasses and lights to find anywhere it may be leaking from. If it's a slow leak it could be coming out of a hose attachment slowly or something once everything heats up.

Otherwise, couldn't they do a leak down test to determine if the head is cracked?

I think the biggest challenge is going to be if it's only an issue when things get hot, because all their testing is done when things are cold.

Does the Bronco radiator actually have a cap you can remove? Reservoirs are fine and all, but I still like to be able to pop a cap off (When called of course) and verify. In the older days you could take the cap off, start the engine, and see if they're air bubbles popping up telling you you had a blown head gasket.

I want to meet the “guy” you put in the engine to find that!!!!!!

 

[da_jokker]

I want to meet the “guy” you put in the engine to find that!!!!!!

Dang...stupid text to speech...will fix to "dye"

 

[da_jokker]

I saw on one sight…could be here, that the 2.7 on the front belt could rub the radiator hose and cause a small leak. They said use ties to pull the hose back.

That was definitely an issue with the earlier 2.7's. seems like Ford has addressed that on later builds. The pulley would cut through the hose within the first couple hundred miles and all You're cool would run out.

The only other issue people have found, are loose clamps that once things heat up and pressure builds, they can start leaking.

I would see if the dealer would do the DYE and track it down. Also make sure to feel the carpet up under the dash in case it's dripping internally.

In the older days, you could just pull spark plugs and find the one that was super clean (with a super clean piston) And you know which cylinder had to crack.

 

[VoltageDrop]

I saw on one sight…could be here, that the 2.7 on the front belt could rub the radiator hose and cause a small leak. They said use ties to pull the hose back.

Oh, that issue didn't cause a small leak. It caused a coolant waterfall. I got that t-shirt.

This is in no way meant to be condescending, but you know that the coolant tank is gonna look empty when the car has been sitting and not running, right? Coolant expands and shrinks under temperature and pressure, so the reservoir is where the excess coolant collects once it is heated and the engine is running, then it is sucked back into the radiator when it cools down, which is totally normal. Now, if it’s empty after running for a little bit, that’s odd. Bear in mind, this is especially true and noticeable if you live in a colder climate.

This is a good point but the owner's manual very sternly states if the coolant is ever below the min. line then coolant needs to be added immediately. Then again, the accuracy of the manual is a bit lackluster so...

I’m assuming I’d get a warning light if coolant was low? Honestly not checking it at 3500 miles usually

Nope, this isn't an Audi. You won't get an indication until the coolant is nearly gone and engine temp. gets to a concerning level. I've added coolant 3 times in my 2800 miles and it seems to have finally stabilized. I initially thought it was escaping but maybe it was just burping air after my day 1 coolant hose replacement. It's worth checking the level periodically.

 

[da_jokker]

Oh, that issue didn't cause a small leak. It caused a coolant waterfall. I got that t-shirt.


This is a good point but the owner's manual very sternly states if the coolant is ever below the min. line then coolant needs to be added immediately. Then again, the accuracy of the manual is a bit lackluster so...


Nope, this isn't an Audi. You won't get an indication until the coolant is nearly gone and engine temp. gets to a concerning level. I've added coolant 3 times in my 2800 miles and it seems to have finally stabilized. I initially thought it was escaping but maybe it was just burping air after my day 1 coolant hose replacement. It's worth checking the level periodically.

Need to park it at a good uphill angle, and run it for a while the heater on high get all the air out

 

[Thrash Metash]

I have the 2.3L and I think I have a very small leak too. No drips, so just happens while driving. I've topped it from below min to max a couple of times now. I did smell coolant one time after driving 10+ miles on a very steep road. It was dark so I couldn't see much. I'm planning on taking it in but I want to see if I can diagnose a bit more beforehand.

 

[Draughon]

Check all of your hose clamps. It's not uncommon to find not installed correctly. It may on leak under pressure while driving. Or it might just be air in the system.

^^^THIS - check the clamps.

Use this checklist --> Bronco Owner Checklist for Delivery (OCD) - Google Docs

 

[ct1975]

Yup, I had a Cobb tuner, but I went with a pro tune on mine instead of the off-the-shelf Cobb tune. 4.7 0-60 times, and an E-30 tune with transmission tune, wastegate actuator, bigger intercooler, intake and exhaust - yep, it was a blast to drive, and I surprised a lot of V8's The Mustang groups are toxic though - I'm glad I'm out of that scene

Toxic? Why does one even care about what other folks think about YOUR vehicle? If it works for you, enjoy it! I still own a 2002 Mustang GT that I purchased new. Is it fast? Not really. Does it sound good and put a smile on my face? Absolutely. Same with the Bronco, love mine, couldn’t care less what others think.

 

[MReiny]

I'm seeing the same issue just under 10K miles--topped it off twice and checked the oil, everything looks good so far. I'm having the dealership check during the oil change next week.

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