Coolant

[Plongson]

Are you guys periodically adding coolant? I don't have a real good metric on how much or how often except in the course of a month it needs a slight top off. There are no apparent leaks and Blackstone oil testing shows no coolant in the oil. Not worried, just curious if anyone else is seeing similar results. Adding maybe 2 cups in a month...

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[jaymz]

I know it seems like a normal thing for many Jeep owners to top of the cooling system occasionally, but if the system is functioning properly - there should be no need to top off.

The coolant is going somewhere. The problem is determining where. Especially with it being such a small amount.

 

[krweatherl]

A leak in the EGR cooler will do that and is virtually impossible to detect because the coolant lost is boiled away in the exhaust. The catalytic converter and DPF don’t like it.
This happened to a number of our newer Mack trucks a few years ago, it always started the same way, small coolant usage with no detectable leak, eventually consuming more and more coolant still with no visible sign of a leak. You could also smell coolant, probably because our exhaust stacks are right at the cab. The first couple of trucks to do this drove the mechanics nuts because the couldn’t figure out where the coolant was going. After the first few then they just knew it was time to replace the EGR cooler. They ended up replacing the EGR cooler on over 20 trucks. Fortunately Mack also redesigned the cooler so they only replaced each once. Also the catalyst in the exhaust emissions system absolutely does not like coolant.

 

[jludave]

Are you guys periodically adding coolant?

Nope. Going on nearly 3 years without having to add anything.

I don't have a real good metric on how much or how often except in the course of a month it needs a slight top off. There are no apparent leaks and Blackstone oil testing shows no coolant in the oil. Not worried, just curious if anyone else is seeing similar results. Adding maybe 2 cups in a month...

This is 100% not normal. There should be no need to add any coolant in a single month. You've got a leak somewhere.

 

[Plongson]

FOLLOWUP...The leak.
I had the Jeep up on the rack rotating tires and found more evidence of coolant...not enough to drip on the ground but traces under the engine. Did more inspection and found a small puddle under the water pump.

It hasn't been loosing much, just a "splash" into the reservoir about once a month, but had to add nonetheless. Figured the pump seal was leaking, called the dealer with my mileage, 36722, and they said "sucks to be you...you're basic warranty is a 3/36...WTF, just my luck.

Pumps are like $500 at the dealer, I found one on line (OEM MOPAR) for $350...(what a bargin...)

I tore into it today and it's not a job for the timid or unexperienced...ya are better off if you have a shop. It would be no fun in the front yard.

The leak was NOT the shaft seal. It was a freeze plug or if you prefer an expansion plug on the rear of the pump. Probably plugging some manufacturing process. This would be much better drilled and tapped for a pipe plug. Defiantly not the best engineering idea but obviously a cost saving idea.

Here's a picture of the pump and the plug. Watch for a leak, this could be it...I sure hope you never have to change out a pump...

 

[garykk]

Good catch…

 

[PT920]

I might be wrong, but shouldn’t this be covered under the powertrain warranty?

 

[MesaAZGuy]

Was it not 5yr 60,ooo miles?

 

[Plongson]

When I called the dealer (65 miles away...) she was very nice and helpful. She said it MIGHT be covered but it would have to come in to be inspected, but there was not an open spot on their schedule for...TWO WEEKS.

All that just wasn't gonna work for me. I need the Jeep and I'm not going to drive it with a coolant leak that was of unknown severity and could burn up this engine. I just decided fugg, it and rolled it my shop.

Warranties are all fine and good but your ass is sure in their hands...and no one REALLY wants to work on your problem. It's a personal thing but I never purchase extended warranties...seems there is always some loop hole and I ultimately get the short end.

So...for the price of the pump ($350) and coolant, I'm it done and know it was done to my standard.

Here's something else...that problematic little freak'n expansion plug that caused all the headache got removed and a 1/4" NPT galley plug in it's place...it 'aint happening again.

 

[Kleiss1]

Which coolant do you use?

 

[Plongson]

Orange OAT

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