Radiator fluid...where does it go? - Toyota Yaris Forums

detroiter · 07-11-2011, 03:36 PM

I don't have any leaks that I know of but it seems that over long
periods of time, the coolant level in the reserve goes lower and lower.
What could be the reason for this?

jambo101 · 07-11-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by detroiter

I don't have any leaks that I know of but it seems that over long
periods of time, the coolant level in the reserve goes lower and lower.
What could be the reason for this?

Ultimately over time evaporation will eliminate a small amount of coolant..

thepartsmancometh · 07-11-2011, 08:18 PM

bingo. evaporation is the biggest (non-leak or usage) culprit. if it was using it (ie: head gasket issues), you'd probably notice

YarisSedan · 07-11-2011, 10:50 PM

Coolant level will go up and down depending on the temperature and the time you check your level. That is the design of the radiator cap. As the coolant expands and contracts it will draw from the overflow bottle and refill it. As long as it is between the 2 lines you are fine.

bronsin · 07-13-2011, 12:47 PM

Its possible you have a leaky hose clamp someplace.

DONT PANIC!

These things leak in cold weather. Usually just a few drops until the engine warms up. Then it stops. You might notice a wiff of coolant in the air at startup. If you want you can start your cold enngine, put the parking brake on (on level ground please) and go look under the engine for 10 minutes for drips. If you find a leak and can trace it, a tightening of the hose clamp is in order. Sometimes the clamp needs replacing.

But this is mostly irrelevant. These minor leaks dont do any harm. But if your smelling coolant at times that might be why?

07-11-2011, 03:36 PM	#1
detroiter Drives: 2008 Polar White LB Auto Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,238	Radiator fluid...where does it go? I don't have any leaks that I know of but it seems that over long periods of time, the coolant level in the reserve goes lower and lower. What could be the reason for this? __________________ I live my life a quarter pounder at a time. And for those 500 calories or more, I'm free. I need FRIES! Two of them. The big ones. Oh, and I need them tonight. You're lucky the double shot of BBQ sauce didn't blow the seam on your nugget box. There she is, 2 pounds of pure beef. My dad ate it in 9.0 seconds flat. Check it out, it's like this. If I lose, winner takes my happy meal. But if I win, I take the burger and the toy. To some people, that's more important.

07-11-2011, 08:18 PM	#3
thepartsmancometh Drives: '08 LB, '07 WRX Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: midwest Posts: 187	bingo. evaporation is the biggest (non-leak or usage) culprit. if it was using it (ie: head gasket issues), you'd probably notice

07-11-2011, 10:50 PM	#4
YarisSedan Drives: 08 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: California - Bay Area Posts: 2,773	Coolant level will go up and down depending on the temperature and the time you check your level. That is the design of the radiator cap. As the coolant expands and contracts it will draw from the overflow bottle and refill it. As long as it is between the 2 lines you are fine.

07-13-2011, 12:47 PM	#5
bronsin Drives: 2009 Base Hatch 2 Dr Auto Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nj Posts: 4,792	Its possible you have a leaky hose clamp someplace. DONT PANIC! These things leak in cold weather. Usually just a few drops until the engine warms up. Then it stops. You might notice a wiff of coolant in the air at startup. If you want you can start your cold enngine, put the parking brake on (on level ground please) and go look under the engine for 10 minutes for drips. If you find a leak and can trace it, a tightening of the hose clamp is in order. Sometimes the clamp needs replacing. But this is mostly irrelevant. These minor leaks dont do any harm. But if your smelling coolant at times that might be why?