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Losing coolant

  

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I have a 2010 Pontiac G6 with 140,000 and seems antifreeze keeps going down a little....but....there is no oil mixing or it's not running hot at all....any thoughts 


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You're either leaking or burning coolant. There are no other options. You might start by using UV dye and/or pressure-testing your cooling system to locate any leaks.


@chucktobias where all can coolant leak from.... besides the radiator and hoses? Because those are new


@wrench Plenty of places. Are your core plugs new? All clamps tight? Any small hoses that may not have been changed? Leaky thermostat housing or gasket? External head gasket leak? Do a pressure or UV light test and find out. The stuff isn't just disappearing into the Twilight Zone.


@chucktobias I always liked those old twilight zone movies I kinda feel like I'm living in that reality in today's world..lol...but anyway......I looked on engine today and I see what looks to be a head bolt missing near where the exhaust manifold is....this used to be my mom's car and some real idiots got a hold of it....and it runs good and doesn't overheat.....I'm just trying to figure this out the right way so I can have a decent car to drive....now when I put that dye in.....where can I get the light to see it.. like the black light...and how long do I need to let the engine run before I should start to see the dye? And is it safe to pour into antifreeze also? Thanks


@wrench You can get a UV light and glasses at Amazon or most parts stores. If you have the type of UV dye meant for antifreeze it is safe to use. How long you have to run the car before a leak is apparent depends on how large the leak is. (A missing head bolt is definitely not a good thing if that's what you're seeing!)


@chucktobias ok thanks for your help


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Posted by: @wrench

overheat.....I'm just trying to figure this out the right way so I can have a decent car to drive....now when I put that dye in.....where can I get the light to see it.. like the black light...and how long do I need to let the engine run before I should start to see the dye? And is it safe to pour into antifreeze also? Thanks

They make UV dye specifically for antifreeze. Just pour UV dye in and drive it around for a little bit, the antifreeze will leak out, if there is a leak, and leave traces of dye on whatever surface it was on. You can use funky sunglasses that come with a kit to inspect with. 

That car's 14 years old, your radiator cap may be source of your problem. Radiator caps don't last forever. The springs wear out and they lessen pressure over time. If you have rubber or plastic seals on yours, that will contribute to the problem. Radiator caps are designed to vent pressure if it rises too high, like overheating. 


@justin-shepherd Thanks bro


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