Bought my truck almost 2 years ago now, it was bone stock 2011. Noticed not long after I bought it that the coolant level was either right at or just below the min line (can't remember). I didn't worry about it, figured the truck will let me know if it gets too low. Ive towed my 40' 5th wheel all across the country in 100+ heat, never over heated, never said low coolant. Well recently I read in the owners manual that its suppose to be at the max line when cold. So yesterday I picked up some dexcool and added about 2 1/2 cups of 50/50 with distilled water. This put the level just below the max side and just a little bit trickled over to the fender side with it cold. Drove it some yesterday but not a lot. Checked it this morning and the fender side was dry? and it had dropped just barley noticeable amount on the engine side. No drips, no smells. Could I have a leak? Im pretty confused and not too familiar with cooling systems on these trucks.
eli_harper13
Coolant Question
Also read in the manual that you can add coolant up to 4 times a year and anymore than that to take it to be checked for a leak?
Coolant running thru the engine takes on various forms throughout it's journey.
As I understand it, as it hits the hottest points of the engine (cylinders) the H2O actually separates from the mixture (vapor/steam) but liquidizes to the mix on the cool side. These micro water bubble explosions (to steam) are the same causing cavitation damage on liners without the proper SCAs, which provide a nitrite film coating for wear protection (HD wet sleeve Diesels).
You are going to have an evaporation factor over time. Just because you notice the level drop on a closed system, doesn't mean you have a leak.
This level loss will vary with use and altitude above sea level (boiling point differs). With the way the surge tank works along with the different levels in the cooling system route, it's important to keep that tank topped off on a regular basis for the best in protection, instead of waiting to be informed by the sensor.
Waiting will up the chances of introducing air pockets in the system....air pockets = no metallurgic inhibitors, build up, coolant decay, etc. <This owner non-maintenance factor turned out to be the main culprit in the lawsuits of old that to this day perpetuates the myth that DexCool is no good for your GM engine.
Keep a gal of 50/50 on hand and make topping off the tank during your oil change, a regular included thing. Once you let it get too low, it can take several days to stabilize the tank level (as air is displaced). If you have a serious leak concern, you'll be adding weekly instead of 3-6 month intervals.
As I understand it, as it hits the hottest points of the engine (cylinders) the H2O actually separates from the mixture (vapor/steam) but liquidizes to the mix on the cool side. These micro water bubble explosions (to steam) are the same causing cavitation damage on liners without the proper SCAs, which provide a nitrite film coating for wear protection (HD wet sleeve Diesels).
You are going to have an evaporation factor over time. Just because you notice the level drop on a closed system, doesn't mean you have a leak.
This level loss will vary with use and altitude above sea level (boiling point differs). With the way the surge tank works along with the different levels in the cooling system route, it's important to keep that tank topped off on a regular basis for the best in protection, instead of waiting to be informed by the sensor.
Waiting will up the chances of introducing air pockets in the system....air pockets = no metallurgic inhibitors, build up, coolant decay, etc. <This owner non-maintenance factor turned out to be the main culprit in the lawsuits of old that to this day perpetuates the myth that DexCool is no good for your GM engine.
Keep a gal of 50/50 on hand and make topping off the tank during your oil change, a regular included thing. Once you let it get too low, it can take several days to stabilize the tank level (as air is displaced). If you have a serious leak concern, you'll be adding weekly instead of 3-6 month intervals.
Wow thanks a lot for the info! Totally put my concerns to rest! One last question, how often should a coolant flush be performed? I think the owners manual says 5 years or 150k miles. Im at 103k miles and about 4 1/2 years.
DexCool is 'up to' 5/150k. It's cheap, I don't see the benefits in running it to it's life limit.
Test your coolant and see what it's condition is. pH should be balanced.
Test your coolant and see what it's condition is. pH should be balanced.
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