Antifreeze running out quickly? Where does antifreeze go, what to do and what is the reason?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Refrigerant leak is a problem faced by many drivers. This thing is not only expensive, but also dangerous for the engine. Therefore, in the event that you notice that the liquid level in the tank is rapidly dropping, that is, antifreeze is leaving, you must urgently take appropriate measures. What could be the reasons for this phenomenon and how to correct the situation, we will consider in this article.

Engine breakdown prevention

In order to avoid engine damage due to loss of coolant, it is necessary to periodically check all components of the system for potential leaks. Of course, be sure to monitor the level of refrigerant in the tank. Under no circumstances should the engine be below the MIN mark when the engine is running. Signs that antifreeze is running out can be the following factors:

1. The oven does not work.
2. The fluid level in the reservoir periodically drops.
3. Engine is overheating or not getting up to operating temperature.

A slight decrease or increase in the level of antifreeze when the engine is heated or cooled is a completely normal phenomenon. If antifreeze has to be topped up periodically, then it is urgent to look for the cause of the malfunction.

Checking the integrity of the cooling system components

In the event of a leak, the system should be inspected in the following sequence:

1. Check expansion tank body for cracks.
2. Inspect the engine radiator.
3. Check heater core.
4. Inspect thermostat housing.
5. Check all pump and cylinder block connections. In addition, the pump drain hole should be inspected. If leakage is detected, this means that the oil seal has worn out.

Possible problems with the radiator

The reason that antifreeze leaves the expansion tank is the depressurization of the cooling system nodes. Most often, problems arise with a radiator. Damage to this structural element can occur as a result of external physical impact (for example, when pierced by a stone). Plates can also be worn out, which are constantly being destroyed by ethylene glycol contained in antifreezes. Some radiators may be equipped with plastic tanks. The latter, in case of loss of antifreeze, should also be checked. Over time, the plastic begins to crack.

Heater radiator damage

You should also find out where the antifreeze goes. In that case,if an unpleasant smell is felt in the cabin, and a sticky stain constantly spreads under the dashboard, then the cause of the leak is most likely in the heating radiator. In this case, white steam also usually enters the cabin. Troubleshooting this problem should be started immediately. The fact is that antifreeze fumes are toxic.

The cause of the leak is the loss of tightness of the pump

In the event that the oil goes into the antifreeze, the reason may be in the pump seal. In order to check the serviceability of its operation, you need to conduct a thorough inspection. The pump is located at the bottom of the engine, and if there are wet spots in the immediate vicinity, then the problem is in it.

Check thermostat

If the antifreeze goes out, the reasons may be in the depressurization of the thermostat. It also needs to be carefully checked for leaks. Usually it's the gaskets. In addition, the engine may overheat due to a malfunction of this element. It is not difficult to determine how correctly this node works.

The circulation of liquid in small and large circles is checked by touch - by the temperature of the hose and nozzles. In a working cooling system, the thermostat valve is closed until the antifreeze temperature reaches a certain value (up to 90 degrees in LADA Priora). In this case, antifreeze circulates in a small circle. Therefore, the radiator itself and the hose at the bottom are colder than the thermostat housing. When the antifreeze is heated to 90 g, the valve begins to open slowly, and the flow of hotliquids enter the radiator. The latter gradually heats up as a result. The valve will fully open at 102°C. In this case, all antifreeze will begin to pass through the radiator. The top will feel hotter than the bottom to the touch.

The engine should be left running until the radiator fan kicks in. In this case, it is necessary to follow the arrow of the temperature indicator. After it approaches the border of the red zone, the fan should turn on. When the liquid cools down, it turns off.

Hose burst and nozzle damage

Antifreeze can also leak through a damaged hose or through a depressurized pipe. Especially often this becomes the reason that antifreeze leaves in old cars. The fact is that the material of the hose begins to age and crack over time. From the pressure of the liquid, it can easily burst. The fastening on the connection also weakens over time. Therefore, in order to avoid trouble, hoses in domestic cars should be changed at least once every 5 years, and in foreign cars - once every 10 years. For fastening, it is worth using not tape clamps, but screw ones, since they are much more reliable.

You can determine if it is the hoses that are to blame for the leak by examining the floor for antifreeze stains. Sometimes the damage may not be too serious and invisible to the eye. In order to detect such a small leak, the hose must first be thoroughly wiped, and then a little gas and turn off the engine. Next, a careful inspection is carried out. The problem of coolant loss can be exacerbated during the cold season. The fact is that the lower the temperature, the lower its viscosity. Therefore, antifreeze leaves faster in winter.

Replacement pipes

This operation can be performed only after the engine has completely cooled down. Otherwise, it is easy to get a steam burn. Replacement of the nozzle is carried out as follows:

1. 

   Fluid is draining from the cooling system. In this case, it is best to take clean dishes. Antifreeze can be reused.

2. Old clamps are lubricated with a small amount of oil (low viscosity).
3. In order to disconnect the pipe, the clamps should be loosened and moved lengthwise to the free space.
4. After that, the pipe is removed from the neck. The hot system must not be disconnected. Since the necks of the radiators do not differ in particular strength, all operations must be carried out as carefully as possible. Sometimes it happens that the pipe is not removed. In this case, you should first try to turn it. If this does not help, you will have to cut it with a sharp knife along the neck. In any case, it costs less than a radiator.
5. Clamps are put on the new pipe and shifted to the middle.
6. Then it is pulled over the neck. In the event that the pipe is not put on, it must be lowered into hot water for a while. No oils are recommended for this. The fact is that they can damage the rubber.
7. The nozzle is completely pulled over the neck, followingto make sure it doesn't twist.
8. Clamps are shifted over the tabs and tightened.

Blow gasket or baffle damage

This case can be called the most serious. With damage inside the engine itself, antifreeze begins to flow into the oil. It is not difficult to determine the occurrence of such a problem. The fluid in the reservoir begins to bubble, and a whitish mixture appears in the oil. You can also look at the exhaust. In this case, white evaporation of antifreeze is noticeable. If antifreeze leaks into the engine, the cause may be damage to the internal baffles or sleeve, or a blown gasket.

How to properly drain antifreeze

Of course, before proceeding with the replacement of the elements of the cooling system that have become unusable, it is necessary to drain the antifreeze. Do it like this:

1. First of all, be sure to turn off the engine and let it cool down. If this is not done, when the cap is opened, antifreeze fumes will escape under pressure and you will get burned.
2. After the motor has cooled down, open the reservoir cap.
3. Dismantle the lower lining of the compartment.
4. Under the engine you will need to put a wide bath for taking antifreeze.
5. Remove the lower water radiator hose.

In a four-cylinder engine, on the left side, you need to remove the thick hose, as well as the thin one leading to the heating system. After that, you can start draining. In a six-cylinder engine, a screw plug is unscrewed from the bottom of the block.

In no case should you mergeantifreeze down the drain. The liquid is highly toxic. Therefore, it should be poured into a separate container and recycled.

Thus, in the event that antifreeze leaves, it is necessary to carefully check all components and parts of the cooling system for leaks. Damaged items should be replaced immediately. Over time, such problems can lead to the need for expensive engine repairs, and in some cases are even dangerous to he alth.