2004 MPV 3.0 burns through anti-freeze. No apparent leak? Thoughts? I have a 2002 Tribute with the same 3.0 engine that does the exact same thing. Really starting to **** me off. Multiple overheats and I can't just add to the reservoir to solve it. Is this a factory defect with this engine and radiator? I need to add to the top hose, burp it, etc. Just drove 1200 this weekend and had to add about a gallon.

Please help if you have insight!

swmcnamara67 at gmail

 

Have you pressure tested the cooling system?
Have carried out a TEE - KAY test? ( Designed to check combustion gases in the cooling system)

 

I have not pressure tested. It just seems improbable that my '02 tribute and girlfriend's '04 MPV have the same exact cooling issue on the same 3.0 engine. we traveled ~ 1k over the weekend and burnt through a gallon on the MPV. I drove home yesterday (200 miles) and overheated 3x. I had filled the reservoir before I left. I ended up having to fill the top hose to the reservoir with a gallon and burp out the air from the top hose to the thermostat.

I find it hard to imagine that both vehicles have a head gasket issue.

 

You cant rule anything out until you test it.

 

I'm with grim. Overheated 3x and a gallon of coolant, if it's not hitting the pavement, it's probably running out the tailpipe. Autozone loans out a Block Test kit. Directions are on the box and it's simple enough to use. Normally I would check the water pump and the big plastic junction between the battery and the engine. See if you have any coolant pooling on top of the transmission in that are. The plastic tends to degrade, usually crack, and leak from the small plastic outlet. But you have to rule out a head gasket by testing.