2000 Taurus Coolant Leak??

Friday night drove 400 miles arriving early Saturday morning. Sunday
morning when I went to check the fluids for the return trip, the coolant
bottle was empty. It was at the full level before the trip as I checked
all the fluids before we left. I poured in a little over a 1/2 gallon
coolant to return it to the full level and took a short trip to look for
leaks. Didn't find any, so decided to chance the return trip. Today made
the 400 mile return trip. 4 hours after the trip and the coolant reservoir
is still full. At no time did the temperature gauge move up higher than
the half-way mark on either trip, exactly as normal. The gauge is working
as it slowly creeps up when starting cool. What gives?


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"Harvey Sprayberry" wrote: (2000 Taurus)

Confirmed full coolant reservoir and drove 400 miles.
Waited one day, checked reservoir and it was empty.
Poured 1/2 gallon coolant into reservoir, drove 400 miles.
Waited 4 hours, checked reservoir and it was still full.
Temp gauge never showed anything unusual.
What gives?
_____________________________________________

The reservoir level is dynamic, not just full or empty. Check its
dynamic performance to determine if everything is okay:

1.) Confirm that radiator is full and measure reservoir level COLD.
2.) Drive 10 miles and immediately measure reservoir level HOT.
3.) Wait 4 hours and measure reservoir level again WARM.
Wait overnight, then:
4.) Confirm that radiator is full and measure reservoir level COLD.

During testing, observe temperature gauge readings, listen and
smell for visible/invisible fluid leaks, look for cracked hoses or
wetness anywhere. Post another message here with the
results, and someone may have a valuable diagnosis.

Good ludk.

Rodan.