mistery coolant leak pleas help

[tom701]

I just bought an 03 600 xc from a friend and when I picked it up I noticed the coolant bottle was empty. This was a red flag but its only got 1200 miles and I only paid 1500 I figured I would deal with it. The sled sat for 2 years but I know coolant does'nt just evaperate. So I had to fill the hole system it was completely dry. Now when its running the bottle is slowly emptyng. It seams to run and idle fine and it seams to be dry around the heat excangers so now im worried. any imput would be appreciated thanks

 

[bmwhodag]

You could still be dealing with air in the system, but the original antifreeze had to go somewhere. It may also be going down fast because you are still bleeding air and the actual leak is slower than it appears. 2 years for a slow leak could empty it out. If the anitfreeze isn't going out the exhaust or collecting in the lower case it has to be dripping on the floor or collecting in the belly pan somewhere. I would shine a flashlight around the bellypan and see if its collecting anywhere if its not actually dripping on the floor. Between the lines to the brake caliper, heat exchangers, etc. you could have a leak on a hose or connection. Check where the crossover connects between the cylinders under the exhaust and to the water pump. Antifreeze is sometimes hard to spot on clean aluminum, but it should appear shiny/wet.

You could also pull the drain plugs on the lower case and see if there is any antifreeze in the bottom end. The plugs are located directly below the exhaust ports. Be careful not to drop them as you take them out because they can be fun to locate in the bellypan.

 

[whitedust]

Well you didn't pay much but probably too much if the engine is junk. That anitfreeze is going somewhere maybe in the botton end. Can you return the sled?

 

[indy_500]

Sounds like mechanical seal on mag side.

 

[G]

If you know anybody in the radiator business see if you can borrow a pump that you can pressurize the system with. Pump it up to about 15 lbs. When the engine is not running you should be able to hear/see coolant or air escaping. At best you have a cracked hose or loose clamp. At worst you have a hole in a heat exchanger or internal engine problems. If it should be a head gasket they are easily and cheaply fixed. This is not going to be so bad. You just have to find the source and deal with it. You have a decent sled and you got it cheap. You can fix a little.

 

[snowbuff]

Also, there is a weep hole in the bottom of the water pump. They have been known to leak on that sled. Usually while the sled is running but, if bad enough, could leak while sitting. You can replace the seals in the pump.

 

[motor_slut]

Base Gasket, O-rings in head, water pump seal, warped head, cracked cylinder, all of these can cause coolant loss in the motor. You can also check your coolant bottle for cracks, pressure cap for leaks, hoses for holes, and coolers for holes. If it is going into the motor you should smell it in the exhaust.