Today I noticed that a significant amount of engine coolant is missing from the tank which means there's probably a leak somewhere. I have quite the busy schedule and loosing my car for more than a day is just not an option.
I don't know too much about engine coolant but it seems to me that water should be fine during the summer just not winter because it can freeze. Is this correct?
Also, any ideas off the top of your head where this leak might me comming from?
(1995 Pontiac Bonneville SE)
2007-06-09 15:30:25 · 24 answers · asked by vthokie4ever 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You can add water to correct the level in the reservoir tank one time and flush and fill the system in the fall once you are sure there are no leaks. Anti-freeze summer coolant is best at a 50/50 mix for winter protection but even in summer it is necessary to maintain at least a 30/70 mix. There are rust inhibitors and water pump lubricants that are vital to your engine life. Water will cool best but it also evaporates, can cause rusting out of freeze plugs, and doesn't keep the water pump lubricated. Check your oil level and look for antifreeze in the oil. If it is present you need a head gasket or there could be a crack in the block. If you do have water in the oil do not drive the car, Anti-freeze can sieze bearings. Check the water pump for a leaking seal on the pulley shaft. Often overtightening of accessory belts can lead to premature shaft bearing /seal wear. Check the hoses and thermostat. Also it isn't uncommon for a reserviour to over time lose just a bit. If you smell antifreeze inside the car then you may have a heater core starting to leak. That is easiest to determine with the windshield set to defrost. Once topped off you can also park over a large piece of cardboard or newspapers and in the morning look where the puddle or water stain is. Your leak will be someplace above that spot. Also while under the hood check all hose clamp for proper tension.
2007-06-09 19:29:46 · answer #1 · answered by jkevinsimpson 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes you can refill with water. However this will increase internal corrosion, reduce boiling point and may make the leak worse. It will also increase freezing point to the degree that it can freeze and crack the engine block in winter. However if you check the level when the engine is cold, it will appear lower than when the engine is hot.
Where is it going? Check your oil. If it looks like milky coffee you have a blown head gasket. Are the hoses in good condition, neither stiff and very hard nor soft and floppy? Does the radiator have stains on it? Is the radiator top plastic and is there a leak between it and the radiator core, which may show up as an accumulation of white powder? Is water dripping from up under the dashboard? - leaky heater core.
I suspect you have asked this question before and I am sure I have answered it before. Seems like you have not done anything about it yet. If you don't get the thing fixed you will be without your car for more than a day. Get it to a garage and take a cab for the day.
2007-06-09 15:46:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water Instead Of Coolant
2016-11-04 12:51:27 · answer #3 · answered by adelizzi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engine coolant does a lot more than just cool the engine. It also inhibits rust, lubricates portions of the water pump, lowers the temperature of the system to keep it from boiling. (the proper cap on the radiator also helps because under pressure water boils at a higher temperature.) and the thermostat.
Loosing the fluid from the overflow reservoir does not necessary mean a leak. There is water in the coolant and it evaporates (mixtures of 50/50 are usually recommended, antifreeze to water)
Keep the recommended coolant in your engine and radiator both summer and winter. Water will work usually but can cause other problems to occur.
2007-06-09 15:47:05 · answer #4 · answered by pinelake302 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water is not always a good idea. It evaporates and can leave the engine to overheat. Coolant is applied for winter and summer. You can try to use water if you mix it with a little coolant but most vehicles will eventually burn out the radiator if there is no sufficient means to keep it cool. As for a leak a radiator has a tendency to crack in different spots if the vehicle is older because of the many seasonal changes or even due to poor maintenance. I would get it checked out sometime soon. Busy I understand but, would you rather have a day of work missed or a car gone forever?
2007-06-09 15:35:47 · answer #5 · answered by Lucia 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yeah you can use water. As for your leak it could be something minor like a hose to an intake gasket leak or head gasket leak. If you look at the underside of your oil cap make sure that it isn't a milky white color. If it is you are getting coolant into your engine which is not good and will need to be repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise you might be changing an engine soon.
2007-06-09 15:38:17 · answer #6 · answered by Jeremy G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Modern engine coolant contains more than just anti-freeze. It also contains chemicals that protect the inside of your engine and cooling system from rust and corrosion. While you may be able to get away with using plain water for the short term, in the long run, you will be doing more harm than good.
If you can't do without your car for a day to have it professionally serviced, what are you going to do when you have to give it up forever when it breaks down due to poor maintenance practices?
2007-06-09 15:42:45 · answer #7 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If loosing your car for more than a day is bad for you, then find and fix the leak or you could have a major problem coming to you when you need the car most.
Water is OK for emergencies but causes corrosion to iron and aluminum.
This engine is prone to intake leaks and only takes a day to fix if that is the problem.
2007-06-09 16:14:05 · answer #8 · answered by epitt72 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Antifreeze is a chemical - when added to water it prevents freeze BUT IT ALSO INCREASES the boiling point - so your hot engine wont create steam and pressure in your cooling system.
But I hear you on saving time and dough. Keep it full of water - if you see a leak you can try alumaseal or prestone seal leak if its not a hose or leaky tank.
2007-06-09 15:42:50 · answer #9 · answered by nphxaz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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you can don,t recommend it . 1 will rust block an freeze plugs an start leaking . two . antifreeze has a higher boiling point then water . 3 an is a water pump lubricant . so for emergency's its ok your don,t care about car
2016-04-08 13:43:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋