Tiny coolant leak

Aloha!

Once a month or so, I check my fluid levels. I’ve noticed my coolant has slightly losing some fluid. I checked around the engine and there’s no leaks around the hoses, except the plug that’s under the expansion/reservoir tank.

I’m guessing that’s the culprit… do y’all think it’ll be an easy replacement at a shop?

First image is from December. 2nd image is from yesterday. (I live in Hawaii and the weather is always 68-85 degrees so the coolant level shouldn’t fluctuate as much)



thanks!

 

That tank will rise and fall as part of normal operation. As long as it's not empty or overflowing you are good.

 

Are you checking it on a cold engine?
You should be.

Also, have you ever added any coolant?

 

After 10 years, the one on my 2011 became loose. Put a hose clamp on it and it should fix it. If not, then leak could be in a bunch of different places.

As long as there are no bubbles in the reservoir tank while running

 

I agree, but I don’t like leaks

yup, cold engine in the morning. Not since I bought it.

I might have to do that. I have extended warranty through Carvana/SilverRock so I might take it to the dealer to get inspected.


Thanks for the quick reply y’all!

 

There isn’t an easy way to tell if it’s leaking from the reservoir other than visual inspection. I see a slight bit of a pink discoloration on the cap. But I do not really see any on the bottom as expected.

The reservoir isn’t under pressure.
I’d clean the cap good, then throw a regular hose clamp on it and see if it helps.

 

yeah, I guess I could do that, thanks! I might go to the dealer and have a spare bottle of coolant just in case.

 

I agree with what's been stated, put a good hose clamp on there, and you should be good. Liquid and air can find the smallest way out you can think of.

 

You can have that fixed in less time than it would take to explain it to the service advisor.

Unless you find the tank needs replacement. Which is not common.

Be careful putting a new screw clamp on there. Too tight and you'll crack the fitting.

 

Take a flashlight and go underneath the engine/radiator area and look for a dried pink trail from the front of the engine where the water pump pulley is located. You really want to rule this leak as non existent (rule it out).

 

Liquid and air… it can be good, yet it can be bad. Haha

Yeah, I’m 70% sure it’s that drain plug or whatever it is called. I just want to be 100% sure haha.

I did! No dried up residues or pink fluid anywhere. It has to be the reservoir tank or the plug. I hope… haha

 

I got it checked out by a mechanic and they didn’t see any leaks after inspection and pressure test. I told them about the plug and they didn’t seem too concerned about it other than normal. I added some coolant and cleaned the plug. After driving it around, I noticed the plug was just barely wet and after few hours, it was all dried up. Im planning to replace the oem clamp that’s on there with another clamp, but do y’all recommend another oem one or a clamp from the auto parts store?

thanks!

 

Just put a band clamp on it

 

I wouldn’t mind replacing that plug and clamp on my 2010. Any idea the part numbers? After 12 years it doesn’t owe me anything.

 

Even a big vacuum cap would probably be fine

 

I think it’s

90466A0010 and 9033909011

I don’t wanna use the same clamp if it might
fail on me again

 

you think a worm clamp would be ok too?

 

There always seems to be a bit of seepage, which turns to white residue, from that outlet. Even with a hose clamp. It's not much.
If the radiator cap is worn out or weak, the coolant level will be more irregular.

 

Ohhh ok. I’m glad I’m not the only one with this issue. As long as it’s normal, I’m ok with it I guess. Haha. Thanks!

 

Band clamp/ worm clamp, same thing