The case of disappearing coolant?

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?

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

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.

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.

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..

Bumped,,,,,,any update

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.

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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Originally Posted by 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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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.

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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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by threedogs

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

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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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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.

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

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


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by rainsey

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


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Which beast was yours?