Hi everyone,
I have a small issue with coolant levels dropping on my 2003 2.0L GSi Tribute. It is high mileage but it is cared for.
I can't see a leak anywhere and the oil is fine, no steam from the exhaust pipe and so I am at a loss.
The only temperature related issue is that when I travel down hill for a while letting the engine brake, the temperature gauge drops quite quickly to show very cold, but as soon as I continue to drive the engine it moves back up to standard temp very quickly.
Anyone ? Please !?

Darren

 

I'm thinking two separate issue:

1. A bad thermostat; an easy and cheap fix
2. A coolant leak into the engine oil; a potentially nasty and expensive fix

Were I in your shoes, I'd immediately change the thermostat, drive the van for at least ten to fifteen miles (to make sure everything is up to a "normal" operating temperature and any water and fuel in the oil is fully evaporated out), and then take an oil sample. With said sample in hand, send it out for "Used Oil Analysis" (UOA), I use http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ for mine. If there is a coolant leak into the oil, the UOA will show it.

 

sometimes the small leaks are the hardest to find because they evaporate and leave LITTLE evidence of a leak.my 96 blazer would lose anti-freeze slowly and couldnt find it.turned out it was a leaky freeze plug.it would drip out on the block and it was gone.finally one day i saw where it was coming from.even a hose can leak out the end under a clamp and evaporate before you see it,or even a pin hole in a hose can leak then close up after the car cools and not show a leak

 

Hey thanks for that,

Shipo I am in the UK, so I will try and find a Company over here who will be able to test the oil but thats a great idea if I can.

Rockoe, I am going to steam clean the engine bay to get rid of all the stains and crud. Then hopefully any new leaks, even if they evapourate will leave a fresh stain to see.

As I said, I know its a high miler, ( 175,000 miles ) but it has been properly looked after. I will let you know what I find.

Thanks
Darren

 

Can this be tested with a pressure bulb? Maybe forcing air pressure in with the engine cold will show the leak?