Minimum Coolant in Reservoir... Again

[58Willys]

Wow. Well, I don't have any coolant smell, no misfire codes or issues at startup. But I guess anything's a possibility. I'm still holding out hope though lol I'll be checking the level again this afternoon. If I see a drop I will start with a pressure test and go from there.

Pull spark plugs on the passenger side (much easier than drivers side) look for one plug that is shiny clean; if so that’s a sure sign of leaking head gasket. If you have a bore scope, pressurize cooling system and see if you see any coolant leakage into the cylinders. Also check for very clean piston tops, hot coolant in the cylinders will steam clean things.

Sponsored

 

[Hostile17]

Pull spark plugs on the passenger side (much easier than drivers side) look for one plug that is shiny clean; if so that’s a sure sign of leaking head gasket. If you have a bore scope, pressurize cooling system and see if you see any coolant leakage into the cylinders. Also check for very clean piston tops, hot coolant in the cylinders will steam clean things.

Well it's been a couple days and I will say that the coolant level has been pretty much the same. Just a slight drop but we've also been going through cycles of 80° days and 50° nights.

But I'm going to keep monitoring it and if I notice it go back down past the minimum then I will absolutely try this. It seems like this could be a fairly simple way to check things versus taking it in and getting a pressure test and so on.

 

[zyt]

I have a 2018 3.6 with 80k miles. I noticed a slight coolant smell and a brief white smoke from exhaust at cold start. There's also small pool of oil/coolant at the bottom of oil cooler which I am planning to have dealer replace in a few thousand miles at the next oil change. Would it cause a bigger problem to wait a couple months or should I get it done ASAP? Given the mileages, I think plugs and coolant should all be replaced. Anything else need to be added to the list?

 

[Htfan]

I have a 2018 3.6 with 80k miles. I noticed a slight coolant smell and a brief white smoke from exhaust at cold start. There's also small pool of oil/coolant at the bottom of oil cooler which I am planning to have dealer replace in a few thousand miles at the next oil change. Would it cause a bigger problem to wait a couple months or should I get it done ASAP? Given the mileages, I think plugs and coolant should all be replaced. Anything else need to be added to the list?

Check the driver side seam of your radiator. There is most likely pink coolant crust built up from a failed (factory defect) seam. If so, replace the radiator. This resolved my coolant loss /smell issue.

 

[HHGadget]

I have a 2018 3.6 with 80k miles. I noticed a slight coolant smell and a brief white smoke from exhaust at cold start. There's also small pool of oil/coolant at the bottom of oil cooler which I am planning to have dealer replace in a few thousand miles at the next oil change. Would it cause a bigger problem to wait a couple months or should I get it done ASAP? Given the mileages, I think plugs and coolant should all be replaced. Anything else need to be added to the list?

White puff of exhaust sounds like coolant in your combustion.
Two most common ways would be head gasket leak or oil cooler figure 8 seals failing.
If you have pooling around the oil cooler you should immediately replace with the newer OEM upgraded mopar oil cooler that replaces the single figure 8 seal for both coolant and oil with the current upgraded one that separates the passages with a plastic ridge and separate seals.
If you are lucky, the oil cooler leak will be your only problem.

 

[Hostile17]

Well I am happy to report that a week has gone by and the coolant levels have maintained. Slight variations just depending upon the swing in ambient temperatures but overall it hasn't gone down to the point it did the first time I topped it off. Maybe there was just a big air pocket in the system?

 

[zyt]

White puff of exhaust sounds like coolant in your combustion.
Two most common ways would be head gasket leak or oil cooler figure 8 seals failing.
If you have pooling around the oil cooler you should immediately replace with the newer OEM upgraded mopar oil cooler that replaces the single figure 8 seal for both coolant and oil with the current upgraded one that separates the passages with a plastic ridge and separate seals.
If you are lucky, the oil cooler leak will be your only problem.

Much appreciated. I decided to get it fixed instead of waiting. I am working with dealer for an appointment next week. Interestingly, their default oil cooler is the aluminum one with part # 68755454AA. I specifically told them to use the redesigned plastic one 68596318AB

 

[embedded rock]

From reading numerous threads here regarding coolant loss and head gaskets is that when driven daily, a little coolant leaked into a cylinder can burn off without setting a mis-fire code. If the engine is not started for a few/several days, there could be enough coolant to foul the firing and set a code. Also, IF there is going to be a head gasket failure, they show 45-55k miles for the 3.6. Not sure of the rate of progression for the leak to develop. Mostly the right bank head gasket, and the recommendation from the techs is to replace both head gaskets at that time.

 

[FF5Cobra]

Just to be sure the coolant level will be different between a cold engine compared to a hot engine.
as engine cools level will go down.
cold engine will draw in coolant.
Engine warms level will rise From expanding temps.

You suspect air bubble jack front of jeep up so radiator cap is highest part of cooling system.
then allow engine to warm up and cool down. Doing this will eliminate air in system.
most common way to purge system of air pocket.

I also use a sharpie on bottle to mark hot and cold levels

Sponsored