2018 JLU Coolant Everywhere

[PegFundy]

Of course this happens today, crazy day at work so I haven't investigated deeply yet but if anyone could tell me where you think I should start I would really appreciate it.

2018 JLU 66k miles. I've been smelling coolant when exiting the jeep the last 2 times I've driven but levels look fine on dash, no dash lights etc. I opened the hood today & the coolant reservoir is empty, coolant is all over the outside of the reservoir as well as the underside of my hood as if it had exploded. I propped the hood & coolant was actually dripping down the hood & running on to the side of the jeep.

I don't see coolant anywhere else under the hood other than directly above, below, and dripped down from next to the reservoir. I don't see any obvious cracks or leaks on the reservoir but again busy day at work & haven't investigated. I had my oil changed at the dealership about a month ago & they didn't call out any issues. Any ideas where I should start?

Edit: Is that a burn mark on the reservoir? The plastic inside of it seems dimpled as well.

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[PegFundy]

Just found this other post by @Yakpimp. I filled the reservoir & got my camera in there. My issue looks similar:

Unlike that post my radiator looks fine so far so I'll try to replace the plastic reservoir. I called the dealership for the part but they said no parts are coming in due to the strike so I'll try the internets. Leaving this up in case anyone runs into this. I'll update if I fix it.

 

[mwilk012]

Rinse everything off with water and allow time to dry. Fill with the proper coolant. Start and run the engine, check for normal indications of flow. Then check for leakage.

That reservoir actually looks really bad for only 5 years old.

 

[PegFundy]

Rinse everything off with water and allow time to dry. Fill with the proper coolant. Start and run the engine, check for normal indications of flow. Then check for leakage.

That reservoir actually looks really bad for only 5 years old.

Yeah the reservoir didn't look like that last time I popped the hood. I think it got toasted when coolant ran out. I filled it & found a leak (2nd post above), ordered a new reservoir so I'll start there. No telling what the seals etc look like once I take it off, might need more parts hopefully not we shall see . . .

 

[wcjeep]

Does the pressure cap have a detent position for non pressurized location? Winter is about here for most of the US. The assist of pressure to prevent overheating may not be necessary depending on your climate. Then hope for strike resolution or search the junkyards.

 

[PegFundy]

Update: Got the replacement reservoir & installed it. Keeping an eye on coolant temps & everything seems to be operating normally again.

 

[Jammer]

I have a 2018 JL Rubicon with 42,000 miles on it. It has the six cylinder in it. I've been told by the dealer and some people that I should flush it out with 42,000 miles and of course 6 years old. But I had some other shops tell me no I'm good for 50,000 miles or 100,000 if you got the right kind of antifreeze in there. It does say on the internet if you got the certain kind of antifreeze you can go up to 100,000 which is crazy but that's what it says. When do y'all recommend to change the coin and the differentials and then they told me I needed to flush the power steering out but then some people said no just add to it even though it's electronic or whatever it's not that big of a deal .what y'all's opinion on those things thanks in advance

 

[alphawolff]

I have a 2018 JL Rubicon with 42,000 miles on it. It has the six cylinder in it. I've been told by the dealer and some people that I should flush it out with 42,000 miles and of course 6 years old. But I had some other shops tell me no I'm good for 50,000 miles or 100,000 if you got the right kind of antifreeze in there. It does say on the internet if you got the certain kind of antifreeze you can go up to 100,000 which is crazy but that's what it says. When do y'all recommend to change the coin and the differentials and then they told me I needed to flush the power steering out but then some people said no just add to it even though it's electronic or whatever it's not that big of a deal .what y'all's opinion on those things thanks in advance

OEM coolant for that year is rated for 10 years or 150k miles. Some coolant component will fail long before it's time to do a flush normally.

No need to flush the power steering. I'd suggest diffs at 40k if you do any type of wheeling, and 60k if you never leave pavement.

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