Is this a sign of a Head Gasket leak?

So I've had my truck parked waiting for body parts. I ran the truck up to temp a couple times this year after fixing the radiator. I topped off the coolant reservoir and it's been sitting about 6 weeks since the last time I ran it.

Today I pulled the tarp off and noticed the coolant level has dropped in the reservoir about an inch. There are no noticeable leaks. Is this normal would there be pressure in the lines still to suck the fluid into the system?

Is the coolant going into the engine like a head gasket leak I wonder?

Should I start her up today?

Any advice would be appreciated....Thanks

 

Could have been some air in the system that came out. As for a head gasket leak, did you check the oil to see what it looks like?

 

Is oil “milky “ looking

 

do a simple block test

 

Air pocket?
What was the air temperature when it was filled versus the current air temp? Mine overflow level changes between summer and winter temps.

 

The milkshake thing isn't really a thing on newer engines, that's a throwback to old cast iron pushrod engines

Block testing doesn't really work on these engines either.

After sitting for so long it's possible the coolant level could contract a ittle more than usual, pulling the level down in the res. Don't hit the panic button yet, just start driving it again and keep an eye on the level. If you're really that worried about coolant in cylinders sure pull some spark plugs and turn it over but personally I wouldn't worry about it. If it didn't have any signs of coolant loss or overheating before it got parked it's probably fine. A head gasket can't pop a leak just from sitting..

 

Yeah.... I panic'd a bit, and couldn't find a quick search with this symptom, sorry ....oil looks good on the dip stick but it's due for an oil change. The weather was hotter when I topped it off and it much cooler out now.

Thanks everybody!

I'll probably do that oil change today and see what it looks like there.

 

Ok I changed the oil. It looked fine. I ran it up to temp and it cooled fined so i think I'm ok.

Thanks so much for the peace of mind.

 

You are fine O.P, you are overthinking a non problem.
Drive the truck and enjoy.