Coolant disappearing, but temperature is fine...
Discussion
I've recently bought a Jeep Cherokee 2001 and one of the first things I noticed was that the coolant reserve was running on nearly empty. I had limited time so topped it up with water, anticipating a flush and refill when I can spare a couple of hours. Then I did a pretty substantial journey being sure to watch the temperature - the car ran absolutely perfectly so I thought nothing more of it.
I checked again today and the reservoir is again pretty much empty so clearly the liquid is escaping somewhere but here's the rub - I don't have any clear leaks, inside the engine bay, on the floor when parked or in the cabin in the footwells. I've done near 1000 miles and the temperature has been perfect and the car has run generally great (aside from the heater has been rubbish which I assume is related). There has been the odd morning where I have had to apply the gas pedal to get her going, but not every time. There is however the slightest light brown on the oil cap so my assumption is that the leak is there. My assumption is that its a head gasket issue, but before I start down the road of what I hear is a painfully tedious job (this would be my first 'major' mechanical fix - even if its not that major), what else should I do to ensure it isn't something else? If it is a head gasket issue - can anyone recommend a list of spares and / or parts beyond the gasket itself that I should have just in case? My plan would be to flush the coolant, then replace the gasket and then the spark plugs for good measure.
Appreciate the insight from those more experienced than me.
I checked again today and the reservoir is again pretty much empty so clearly the liquid is escaping somewhere but here's the rub - I don't have any clear leaks, inside the engine bay, on the floor when parked or in the cabin in the footwells. I've done near 1000 miles and the temperature has been perfect and the car has run generally great (aside from the heater has been rubbish which I assume is related). There has been the odd morning where I have had to apply the gas pedal to get her going, but not every time. There is however the slightest light brown on the oil cap so my assumption is that the leak is there. My assumption is that its a head gasket issue, but before I start down the road of what I hear is a painfully tedious job (this would be my first 'major' mechanical fix - even if its not that major), what else should I do to ensure it isn't something else? If it is a head gasket issue - can anyone recommend a list of spares and / or parts beyond the gasket itself that I should have just in case? My plan would be to flush the coolant, then replace the gasket and then the spark plugs for good measure.
Appreciate the insight from those more experienced than me.
E-bmw said:
To state the obvious, your reluctance to get in touch may well cost you a very large bill then, rather daft IMHO.
At least get in touch, the warranty they have given you (I am assuming they did) may well mean you don't have to take it to them.
I will do, as I say - he's been away. No warranty unfortunately (why the assumption?).At least get in touch, the warranty they have given you (I am assuming they did) may well mean you don't have to take it to them.
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