2.0 coolant top off frequency

[Quinn99]

How often are those of you with 2.0 engines topping off the coolant? I just checked the opaque engine coolant reservoir and it was barely registering on the dipstick. It took 1.5 cups of Mopar OAT to top it off. I hadn’t checked it since two oil changes ago (10,000 miles), but it seems like a lot. I’m wondering if I have a leak. I’ll definitely be checking more often from now on.

I’ve never had to top off the translucent intercooler reservoir.

I appreciate hearing others’ experience!

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[OldBlue]

I want to know why they made it opaque. Hell, my 3.6 is 'normal' - I can see right through it. The wife's 2.0L? Nope!

 

[Quinn99]

I want to know why they made it opaque. Hell, my 3.6 is 'normal' - I can see right through it. The wife's 2.0L? Nope!

I agree. I would have noticed it was low if it was translucent.

 

[BDinTX]

I noticed ours wasn’t registering at all on the dipstick around 20k miles. Topped it off and have also been keeping an eye on it. Wonder if having the reservoir so close to the turbo is cooking off the coolant…

 

[Hydro Nat]

I agree. I would have noticed it was low if it was translucent.

My 2021 2.0 coolant reservoir is black. You cant see anything

 

[Shibadog]

Thus far I’ve not had to add any to my ’20 2.0-15 k miles

 

[haligen]

I had to add almost a gallon the other day, which was only brought to my attention after I started overheating. At 25k miles I wasn’t expecting to be losing coolant. Apparently mines weeping out by the water pump on the drivers side of the engine. Seems to be a common 2.0 issue and the parts are on national back order.

 

[XJfanatic]

Mine has had a qt added in the last 12k. I see no leaks but can smell warm coolant on a hot summer day after a drive. My guess is the cooled exhaust manifold cooks some off.

 

[JLmidwest]

Checked mine at 30,000. Dip stick was dry, but the reservoir had a bit left in it. Guess I'll start to keep some Mopar coolant handy.

 

[fdbjorn]

what coolant are you using? i cant find the mopar coolant anywhere, I was looking to top it off with Zerex G-05. Is it ok to top it off with different coolant brand?

 

[Chupacabra]

Just checked mine at 15,000 miles and it's not on the dipstick either. It appears to be just below it though so I will top mine off as well.

Thanks for bringing this up, I probably wouldn't have checked that otherwise.

 

[Jim1964]

Coolant should not be consumed, it’s not like oil where a small amount is inevitably lost through the piston rings.

I would not be concerned to top off coolant once, either after a new vehicle is built or the cooling system has been drained. Because some air may have been burped out.

Repeated addition means there’s a leak.

 

[Quinn99]

what coolant are you using? i cant find the mopar coolant anywhere, I was looking to top it off with Zerex G-05. Is it ok to top it off with different coolant brand?

I got Mopar OAT concentrate from the dealer. I’m no expert, but would be leery of mixing it with other brands.

 

[Quinn99]

Coolant should not be consumed, it’s not like oil where a small amount is inevitably lost through the piston rings.

I would not be concerned to top off coolant once, either after a new vehicle is built or the cooling system has been drained. Because some air may have been burped out.

Repeated addition means there’s a leak.

Sounds right—that was my concern

 

[Quinn99]

I had to add almost a gallon the other day, which was only brought to my attention after I started overheating. At 25k miles I wasn’t expecting to be losing coolant. Apparently mines weeping out by the water pump on the drivers side of the engine. Seems to be a common 2.0 issue and the parts are on national back order.

How did you diagnose the leak location? Was there evidence a trail?

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