The case of disappearing coolant?

[the godfather]

Okay, here is the issue. After an incident where I over heated my baby, I replaced the radiator (it was munted).
I changed it yesterday. Today I drove 200km with no issue.
The next 5 km it heated up then cooled right down again.
When I got home I checked the coolant level; needed about 2-3 litres.
There is:

No oil in the water,
No water in the oil,
No leaks that I can find (though it is difficult in the rain),
Blows no smoke,
Blows no steam,
No strange noises (hissing ).
And the beat, she runs like a dream.

Any ideas as to were the fluid is going?

[mudnut]

Is the radiator cap sealing properly? Did you "burp" the system when you filled it up. Have you checked all of the hose clamps?

[the godfather]

If by burp you mean did I get the air out, then yes. I just did it again (after I posted this). Tomorrow will tell.

[mudnut]

Hopefully that is all it needs. Some people forget to run the engine long enough to open the thermostat before they put the cap back on. after filling the system.

[BigRAWesty]

I find the best way to bleed an engine is to tape 2/3 of a 1.25L coke bottle to the filler hole so it acts like a funnel / resivour.
Run the engine up to temp, turn heaters to full and get it revving at 2000rpm. .
That should push threw any air..
If you see a consistent stream of little bubbles then you may have issues..

[threedogs]

Bumped,,,,,,any update

[the godfather]

OKay, here is the update. Drove it to work this morning then checked the levels, Again down 3 litres.
I topped it up and did my job (Sales rep on the road). Clocked up 300-400km. Temperature was erratic.
Topped it up and ran it. Now I have bubbles in the radiator, but only until the thermostat opens. These where not there before.
So it appears I have a cracked head or done a head gasket somewhere.

As a result, and since when we go away it is into the vast beyond (Simpson, Gun-barrel, Old Coach Road etc), we have decided to bite the bullet and replace the engine.
Brunswick Diesel @ $7,500.00 installed. Usually I would do this my self but I really don't have the time.
I will take the old engine and do a full rebuild from the bottom up and keep it as a spare, whilst teaching my boy (19) how an engine works and how to fix it, and that life is more than computers. Of course I will do a compression test etc before I send it to Brunswick.

[rainsey]

Ha.. I had exactly the same Symptoms and opted to send my truck over to Brunswick for a V8 upgrade.
Do you need any ZD30 parts?


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[the godfather]

Ha.. I had exactly the same Symptoms and opted to send my truck over to Brunswick for a V8 upgrade.
Do you need any ZD30 parts?


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I might, I will be rebuilding the old one myself as a spare. I thought very hard about the V8, but we go pretty deep outback sometimes and I am fairly handy with the ZD30 motor. I can usually get myself out of trouble if I need to. So we decided to stick with what we know.

[rainsey]

Well, hopefully next week I will have my truck back from Brunswick with a not too bad ZD30 CRD on the back.

My plan is to strip off everything that I can salvage.... Just have new cooling system installed so things like radiator, water pump, alternator turbo ..common rail as this was only replaced 2 years ago, and entry into else and take the short motor down to Sims metal to dump.

There is nothing wrong with the short motor. Had either a head gasket or a cracked head with some water ingress and Inwas going to upgrade anyway. Never actually figured out what was pressurizing the cooling systems :)

Let me know if there are any particular parts u need.

Kindest regards
Rainey


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[the godfather]

Mmm, seems you have had much the same issues as me. Though mine is a Di, not common rail. I will be doing much the same, but I will rebuild the old one myself. Knowing I cooked it gives me some idea that it now has a cracked or warped head. I will be driving it to Brunswick tomorrow, with two Jerrys of water in the back and the cook right behind me in her car.

[threedogs]

Mmm, seems you have had much the same issues as me. Though mine is a Di, not common rail. I will be doing much the same, but I will rebuild the old one myself. Knowing I cooked it gives me some idea that it now has a cracked or warped head. I will be driving it to Brunswick tomorrow, with two Jerrys of water in the back and the cook right behind me in her car.

Can I suggest you crack to overflow tank cap a touch to let some pressure out.
save stopping and filling all the time

[rainsey]

Can I suggest you crack to overflow tank cap a touch to let some pressure out.
save stopping and filling all the time

Yeah,
I placed a paper clip under the metal retainer in mine to let the pressure vent. Worked a treat.

Cheers
Rainey


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[the godfather]

I did that as par for course. As it turns out it made it fine. Apart from the smell of coolant that is.
I must say, there are some very pretty engines down at Brunswick....I had engine envy.

[the godfather]

One more sleep until I get her back.....
I will be glad, now I do not have to drive that Colorado ute.:1087:

[rainsey]

Ha ha, I got mine back today ... No more public transport !


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[the godfather]

Ha ha, I got mine back today ... No more public transport !


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Which beast was yours?