Coolant Level

[whizbanger1]

Just curious, how high does the coolant rise in the bottle from the cold fill line when the truck is warmed up? As long as I can remember, the level in my 5.3 has been @ the cold fill line, if it was hot or cold. Just recently, I noticed cold it's been 1/2 inch under the line then rises to the line when it heats up. Is this normal or do I have a leak? Thanks.

[Patrick H]

It rises because the coolant expands as it gets heated.

[whizbanger1]

Let me rephrase my question. It has been at the same level since day 1, now it has lowered about 1/2 inch. Could I have a leak or is it normal for the coolant level to drop after 2.5 yrs? There are no noticable leaks.

[Ape0r]

You might have a leak. On the other hand, you might not. If she runs good and the oil looks normal, I wouldn't worry about it unless you notice the coolant continuing to decline.

 

When the WP gaskets on my truck went, it would take ~4 months to empty the reservoir and start overheating.

[Mulaka]

Just recently, I noticed cold it's been 1/2 inch under the line then rises to the line when it heats up. Is this normal or do I have a leak? Thanks.

 

I noticed this exact thing on my 2009 today. Cold, it sits about a 1/2 inch below the line. I sure hope this is normal.

[whizbanger1]

Well the truck goes in tomorrow to work on a starting issue, I'll have them check this out. I did talk to a tech and he said they have come across a few where the level drops but theres no leak. He said its not a bad idea to take it to the dealer and start a paper trail on the problem in case it comes back later. I forgot to ask, can coolant be consumed w/o a leak or being burned off? The level has been @ the cold line so long, now that it dropped, I can see a line on the side of the bottle.

[Mulaka]

I am taking mine in next week. I should be okay to drive it right? My coolant temp gauge sits at 210 while driving, is that normal?

[whizbanger1]

Dealer just called, they're still hunting down the electrical issue. As far as the coolant, at this point they believe it is normal as long as it doesn't continue to drop. My truck also runs @ 210 (I believe this is the 12 o' clock position). I believe as long as the level doesn't drop anymore and run dry you should be ok. Never hurts to check w/ the dealer though.

[jro909]

210 is normal operating temp, i've had coolant disappear before from driving in really really hot weather for long periods of time like the water in the coolant evaped...you guys are more paranoid then me lol, shit the DIC will go ape shit if the coolant gets too low so drive away

[whizbanger1]

Well, I got my truck back, did a pressure test found nothing. My electrical issue was due to a loose battery cable.

[jro909]

stop being paranoid and drive and enjoy it....being paranoid sucks i know, because i am lol

[mistermike559]

These motors run hotter than expected. Thats why some people will put a 160 degree thermostat and will be hitting 180+ degrees. If it's at 210 degrees, sounds right. I couldn't figure this out till I searched the forums and found out this was normal. Scared me because I had put in a 180 degree thermosat, thinking it'd sit there- nope.

 

I run more distilled water than antifreeze during the spring/summer time which leads me to put coolant in every 2 months. If you've never added any coolant in the last two years and it's barely moved a half inch, that's good.