Low or Empty Coolant *FIXED*! Car Overheating radiator fluid CAN'T FIND THE LEAK

[@alzoswx]

really helpful and knowledgeable mechanic who takes you through all possible causes of a problem.

[@vikki4now]

Been having constant coolant leaks in my jeep. Leaking in the floor of the passenger side. I never knew where the moisture was coming from. Thanks for solving the mystery.

[@KekeeBlack]

I just started the video but I'm going to guess it's the heater core. Have to evacuate the AC system in order to get to it I think. I have an old Dodge truck and it was constantly leaking water from the AC onto the passenger floor board. Apparently all these leaks have been an an issue for many many years on Jeeps/Dodge/Rams vehicles so I feel your pain man! Luckily mine was just a clogged drain tube.

[@TheJuan333]

@@KekeeBlackI think I’m having the same thing with my ram van, I notice the smell of coolant and also today really low on coolant

[@EaStxVaNxiNc]

​​@@KekeeBlackyour talking about 2 separate problem one problem your saying is a clogged ac condensation drain tube leaking water #2 is a leaking heater core leaking coolant ...ac condensation drain plug clog is a simple easy 2 second fix heater core on the other hand is work

[@Scarface_lan]

Hey so my car was leaking coolant before and it was becasue of the radiator but td it started leaking and it smoked white under the hood what would I do 😞

[@tsol438]

Just had my 2018 Jeep Compass in the shop turns out the problem is the radio frequency hub keeping it from cranking and they found the radiator very low. I'm not a mechanic of course but they said they couldn't find a leak so here I am trying to figure out why it happened. I shouldn't have to do their job but at least I have something to go on. Thanks for the great video.

[@ruthdanielson919]

My next step is UV dye. Add tp radiator, drive then use blue light and check for leaks. Also pull spark plugs and look for leak with black light. Another option do pressure test, pull spark plugs and look for leak with boroscope. So far, block test, pressure test and leak down tests negative. Disappearing coolant, no visible leaks.

[@keytothegate68]

Great well explained, fantastic camera clarity and I'm very happy it was the hose and that you didn't have to use the sealant additive!

[@ts7220]

Adding water as a temporary solution is great. Thx.

[@vikingwind25]

Great video! My issue is clogged coolant jackets on an old 1986 4.2L. Cylinder pressures were great, no loss of coolant and no air in the coolant system . The coolant system pressure test held pressure for a long time but overheating all the time. I think the issue is clogged coolant ports in the block/head. This causes the 50/50 mixture to boil and create steam, boiling in the overflow tank. Just wanted to share. Again, thanks for the video. I always look to KZbin for information when I am dealing in a new knowledge area.

[@yarekk]

Thank you for showing all the tricks, including the checks that were a dead-end. This really helps for diagnosing stuff on one's own.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

No problem!

[@on0er0il0he0el]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii in my case it was the top piece of the radiator that gave in. Parts should be here on Wednesday...

[@drewathetis5702]

Couldn't you just remove radiator cap with engine idling and look for bubbles. Little bubbles, head gasket trouble. No bubbles, no trouble. Great video!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Yeah that’s one way to do it!

[@brandonbaker8584]

Bubbles could be from adding fluid and not bleeding system

[@shaunsong2656]

Awesome video. My car is suffering from overheating. The local shop did testing for me but they told me no critical issue was found. The only thing they can do is just replace the thermostat for me for $500. That was two weeks ago, and I got overheating today again.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Slow leaks (two weeks) are difficult to find in one look

[@shaunsong2656]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Yeah, I finally trade in that car and purchased a new vehicle. Learned a lot in dealing with those issues.

[@Andre-zg8wg]

Got exactly the same problem as you, put new thermostat and kept leaking slowly. And my car was only leaking while driving. turns out it was burned head gasket. Highly expensive to fix

[@shaunsong2656]

@@Andre-zg8wg yeah, fix it may need $5000, kbb price is just $3000(good condition)

[@bradnewton1680]

$500 to replace thermostat...holy crap..robbery..

[@CherylCuttineau]

My roommate's husband is a retired mechanic. He pressure-tested the reservoir and coolant was shooting out the thermostat housing. The car is going to my regular mechanic tomorrow morning.

[@CoachBill315]

Great vid... very informative. I'm not a car person... but it gave me a few ideas what's going on with my truck. Thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You can do it!

[@henryduke722]

I'm so glad it was just the radiator hose good video.

[@djuanejackson4215]

Wow great problem solving steps as you luckily discovered the source of the possible leak.

[@suzannehernandez4177]

Thank you great video have a GMC pickup which seems to be losing coolant somewhere no visible leaks you gave me a lot to check thank you very much I am now subscribed

[@aa-ph7ev]

Thank you for your video. Very helpful for us non mechanics.🙂

[@rogeliotorres9822]

This video helped me determined my coolant leak. Thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped 🤙🏽

[@onehandyangel6132]

This video is very informative, well done. thank you!

[@ynonser5804]

such a good and detailed video, you just covered everything. very easy to follow and understand, thank you !!

[@kevinhancock4064]

Interesting and informative ......I often wonder if this could be my cars issue. It actually had a hg job done inc turbo lifters rockers cams almost full top end . Inc pressure test on head and skimmed..overheating coolant spraying from overflow . Been in garage 4 a while as they done the work. If I look at it it'll prob void the work carried out ..I have here a dye that works brilliantly with uv torch..used it to find my keak on previous car (thermostat housing gasket ) . Cost me £7 to fix..its 1 of the first things od be doing amongst flushing system a few times at least ..in case it's gunk that's causing it .

[@HOTAStudios]

I have a 1987 Chevy Silverado, I have done all the tests you described with the exception of the spark plugs. However coolant is still disappearing from the truck. I have 2 options left that I can think of. First is the thermostat/housing seal. As you know if it gets hot and the seal is damaged, coolant could spray out onto the engine and cause a massive leak. The other is the water pump. Everything was working fine and suddenly I can out of the store with this huge puddle underneath the truck and a steady drip. I have been told it could be the head gasket as well so. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Appreciate any help you can provide.

[@jeffro221]

Your conclusion that you have a small head gasket leak based on the fact you had not yet found a leak yet was erroneous as soon as I heard it.

[@IoannisOuzounis]

Very detailed and thorough.

[@robertlacasse6679]

Thanks for the video, very helpful and informative.

[@bran780]

Extremely helpful videos. Thanks!

[@avtarjaspal1336]

Extremely useful information about coolant. Thank you my dear friend ❤

[@reubentracey8345]

Thanks heaps for this video. It has been so much help👌

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Good stuff. My aunty has a mint car in volcano thats been sitting in garage unused for 3 yrs, wont start now. Can i pay u to come look? Thx

[@calicocreekboardingstables3713]

How to test cylinders if u don't have spark plugs? Cummins. Also, what if it's pushing everything out of the overflow tank

[@ChavezDIY]

Check your service manual for the psi range when pressure testing the radiator. On my Acura TSX it is 14-18 psi. Don't go over the recommended pressure for your car.

[@Thalabi]

Hi, I had a heating problem after the heating hose that goes into the dashboard of my kia sorento 2015. I replaced the hose, but now I notice the coolant level in the reservoir gets too low in the morning and gets flooded after a 10 mile drive. I replaced the radiator cap , and the problem is not solved! What else should I check؟

[@herminalamb4908]

Thank you explaining so well.

[@pratheep6068]

I have Hyundai veloster 2013 same to you talking I would do that you show me on Video Thank you very much Good Video

[@urimguze5235]

The best video i ever seen.

[@haksinternationallancing3603]

i am having a similar issue what would happen if the hose was left as it is and we keep topping up coolant? for a while?. till now i have filled 2, 4 liter cans of red coolant. regarding the head gasket sealer how do u use it? also i have having some strong smell coming from the exhaust. and engine oil and trans fluid are ok, but engine oil smell burnt. i have Toyota XA 2007 , 1NZ engine.

[@Andrewm-x1u]

Great video. I have a problem with a jetta tdi. It has over pressure in coolant system. It keeps pushing coolant out of the reservoir tank. I think it's a blown head gasket but not coolant in oil or vice-versa. Since it's a diesel engine there are not spark plugs. How can I do the compression test.? Thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Yea that does sound like a blown head gasket. You can remove the glow plugs to perform a compression test. I would perform a block test first it’s a bit easier.

[@ibrahimriversnoone9767]

Great transfer of information!.....thank you

[@lolly195963]

Hello, just found your video. I have an 08 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD 4.0. And it also has a coolant leak, but it does not overheat. I've changes the upper radiator hose and the thermostat. I've done a pressure test on it, nothing. Oil and fluids all look good. I do have to keep adding coolant just about everytime I drive it, which is daily. The water pump is fine. Just had the AC compressor installed also. Any suggestions are welcomed 🤗. Thank you

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Any white smoke in your exhaust?

[@lolly195963]

No white smoke, It starts and runs fine. I do have an appt to have it looked at this coming Wednesday. I was hoping that I could have found it myself to save money. But it looks like it's not going to happen this time. Thank for reaching back out to me.

[@debbiemeyer3300]

Thank you for the information, well explained.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it was helpful!

[@west_park7993]

Weird problem: 2012 Prius, 145k miles. Oil changed religiously @ 10K, 0W20 full synthetic. Never driven at low coolant levels. Sudden loss of coolant on the highway. The temp warning indicator on dashboard flashes and goes of. When you check under the hood, there is a splash of coolant from overflow tank (it is pressurized). Hot June, Florida, driving at noon 200 miles: no problem. on the way back at night, stopped at every rest area to add DI water, . The plastic overflow tank never ran dry. Engine runs smooth, accelerates, purrs like a cat. No white water vapors in the exhaust. Looked for pink residue around connections and radiator seal lines. No residue found. Rubber hoses are tightened with original spring clamps, but no pink leak. Electric water pump is clean. There is pink residue at the back of the plastic overflow tank. Every time the temp warning flashes, there is a splash of boiling coolant tru the overflow tank onto the firewall and even the drive shaft. Sometimes the leak is so big, that it ends up on the front passenger tire and the front passenger door. How does it go from inside to the OUTSIDE the vehicle is a mystery. No check engine, no DTC. The high temperature light comes on and off, sometimes flashing, sometimes solid, then disappears. Driving around town seems OK so far. Pressure test: at 12 psi stays unchanged forever. Exhaust fumes test: negative. Changed the water pump the thermostat, then the temp sensor. No luck. Sporadic unpredictable random short overheating. Smn just suggested there may be an airlock. Planning to apply some vacuum these days... I hope is not head gasket. Although smn suggested that this is how head gaskets on these cars begin. Any other suggestion?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Intermittent overheats are the most frustrating! You’ve covered a lot of the bases already (really sounded like stuck thermostat to me). If it is a head gasket you could get a loaner block test kit and find out easy.

[@west_park7993]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii you mean, cylinder pressure tester? will do this today-tomorrow.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

@@west_park7993 the block test uses an additive in your radiator which reacts to combustion gasses if they are present in your coolant. Easier than compression test in some ways

[@west_park7993]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii there is a test, that sniffs for presence of exhaust gases in the coolant. basically, this is litmus, and is blue. if there are gases, these gases are acidic, and turn the color from blue to green to yellow. This test came negative. I continued carying this test several times longer, with the same liquid, to make sure i absorb as much as possible acid gases. in a sense, i wished a positive result, so i know what i am dealing with. but it was negative.

[@mareerogers7663]

😢great watch yes comment hose leak has a kink inside so it runs to there and spills out , watching veiws have all the test station for now kink is the hose damp its a hole 🕳️ but great way to get the latest

[@EightyNineGreat]

Great video

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@peggykapteina980]

You was Great best I've listened to

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@vibhusharma9319]

My Škoda car makes water running noise in dashboard on start of the engine for 4-5 seconds and normal thereafter Any remedy for it, if yes, please share a video of the same

[@williamtang6604]

My mechanic just installed a new radiator with new hose on my 2005 Toyota Camry 4 cylinders. After 2 weeks later, the coolant dropped to mid-level. Could you tell me what is wrong? Thank you!

[@konstantin-big]

You must test so you can find the flow=leak

[@nathanielfausto5826]

I have 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero. It was imported from Japan. Is that pump compatible with Japanese models?

[@405Lenny]

I am having the same problem. Thanks. 👍👍

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad to help

[@joseph-lo2lh]

Thanks ,I will try your remedies.

[@KenBro8888]

You are the real deal 💯

[@frankie-fd8xz]

Cool, but what about your low compression test?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

They were all similar enough

[@BeXEllenttoeachother]

Very helpful mate.

[@polishedbrother]

This was Excellent!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Great!

[@samuelmosley4128]

My reservoir is filling up but radiator goes dry. I have replaced the radiator cap. A/C smells weird after running a minute. 2003 Toyota Camry 272k miles. Can’t find a leak. No moisture on floorboard. What’s wrong?

[@samuelmosley4128]

Replaced radiator 2yrs ago and water pump 1yr ago with no problems.

[@kawai99100]

If you see a lot of white smoke coming out of exhaust while driving, zero coolant in radiator, due to good sized crack. Is the white smoke telling me head gasket is involved???

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Likely. Cracked radiators don’t mean there’s a head gasket leak. But leaking radiators mean there may have been some overheating which is a cause of head gasket leaks

[@arturolucero4527]

Useful 💯 %

[@Hardenth50]

i see on the rotors when it rains in the morning looks like a spot brown in it what is it mean?

[@mayandipipmagnetmedia3332]

Hello I have problem with my ford fiesta 1.4 2004 it has too much pressure on coolant it burst hose pipes and coolant tank or bottle 😢can any thing help

[@gabbyturner6732]

How do you use that pressure checker if you don’t have a radiator cap. I just have a water reservoir.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You will need a kit that fits your pressurized reservoir

[@MotivatedByGodsPromises]

I have a 2011 Ford Edge 3.5L the check engine light came on thursday night. i drove the car friday morning about 40 miles. came home for a few hours. headed back out and was on the highway for about 10 minutes when my overheating warning came on, smoke coming from under the hood and i immediately pulled over and turned the car off. i let the car cool for about 15 minutes and poured 4 bottles of water in and the reservoir was still empty! someone brought me a whole bottle of coolant and poured it in and the reservoir was still empty (obviously we assumed a leak) but i was going to head to my destination about 10 miles away. drove off and about 3/4 of a mile the overheating warning came again and i pulled over. I ended up having the car towed to my house. This is my question - whats the likelihood that the engine got damaged to the point of replacing it? Is replacing it a given or is there a chance i can flush the oil and locate and repair the leak?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Chances are good that engine is fine if you turned it off right away.

[@aninieanuar6319]

I just replaced my evaporator coil and after 20 days, the aircond is blowing hot air and engine started overheat. Sent to the service center, after a week plus, steam started coming out from the instrument panel and from tge steering. Pop up the bonnet, saw blue liquid spilled at the evaporator, touch it and it is wet, and I can hear the hissing sound clearly. What can cause it? Please help and advise. Thank you

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Overheating, steam, and loss of AC are all symptoms of a coolant leak. If coming in by the dash perhaps a coolant line on the backside of engine

[@sagifern4444]

Great Video !!!

[@MrLSalazar714]

A dye would have helped in the beginning, I think.

[@MrColmillo2000]

Great tips!!!

[@olusuyiolayinka3834]

Great job

[@vapinpenguin]

Appreciate the advice thank you

[@JoeyMendoza1]

Can you fix my headgasket on my GTR?

[@jermainewoodson6684]

Hello there I am having an issue with my 2008 Hyundai Tiburon the oil light comes on and off when I idle up to a thousand RPMs it goes off but as soon as I release its come back on do you know what the issue might be?

[@vinshona3077]

Probably using the wrong(heavier) oil for your vehicle. Check the manufacturers oil recommendation

[@whatistruth101]

Good video

[@chrismcdonald2086]

What do I do if it is the plastic top of the radiator leaking? 2008 Nissan Tiida/Versa.

[@tystevens5794]

Go to your nearest junk yard and get the same part out the same car for free and replace it

[@leedixon2158]

What would cause the water to leak from under the driver side back door

[@elbertmoreno2159]

😳

[@naturoidz2714]

Thank you 🙂

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You’re welcome 🤙🏽

[@doyleredwine1683]

What brand leak tester was that you used?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Can’t remember but it was O’reillys tool rental program

[@normandfogarty3505]

Don’t ever use the blue devil sealer. It ruined a new radiator and plugged up the hose and thermostat.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You’re the first case of this I’ve heard personally. Sorry to hear that!

[@afjl.7170]

talented

[@carlosdzv1]

Thanks man.

[@colchald]

After running my car there's always a strong sweet smell.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Sweet is often engine coolant look for leaks

[@GregariousAntithesis]

My experience is it only happens when cold.

[@SellsFlorida]

Thank you

[@samuelrivas3943]

It could just be the cap letting coolant evaporate...

[@tyriecarter9549]

Thanks I think it’s happen to me

[@MrDumonic]

Very good. Ty

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@phiwokuhlemsomi4583]

I also had a coolant leak and the problem was the Filler neck... My car is still overheating even though I have changed the Thermostat and Water pump before

[@jodyfrank7460]

G20 Chevy van 5.7 overheating

[@shelbukowski1443]

So was it the hose?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Haha! No! It was the heater core in the end!

[@bradnewton1680]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Might want to edit and add that info but excellent video.

[@joseph-lo2lh]

Thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

No problem

[@erick32683]

Good way to burn the starter up

[@MrImhighoffmusic]

+1 and a like good video.

[@mustangjoe8352]

👍

[@shhssnsjs1910]

Cool

[@ElmerPacheco-j9j]

Great

[@zuowang5185]

what store loans you all the tools for free?

[@bradnewton1680]

Advance auto , Auto Zone etc..they actually charge you something for the tool and give you a certain time to return for a full refund. I just got an Inner tie rod removal tool...$80 and I had 45 days to return...which I did .

[@mutasebstenafez5255]

❤👍

[@efrainvazquez6157]

Have the same issue, replaced radiator hose, and coolant reservoir. And the coolant level drops after driving it. Also when i start the car it shivers but smoothes out after a few seconds. Does anyone have any suggestions?2018Jeep compass latitude

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Keep checking for leaks!

[@X-Dub]

Did you ever find a solution I'm having a shaky start that smoothes out as well

[@DonziGT230]

So much fail. Not checking the hose connections and thermostat housing before jumping to the conclusion of a head gasket was dumb, especially when there were no signs of a head gasket leak. Spark plug color is more likely to show a small head gasket leak than a compression test. A much easier way to check would be to use a block tester. Small 'hidden' leaks that don't drip onto the ground are most often cold leaks so in the rare case that I can't find the source I start the pressure test with the engine cold. The fact that it went low while parked for a long time is an obvious indication that it had a cold leak, duh. I've gotten many free/cheap cars because of bad diagnosis like this so it's been good for me, but terrible for their customers.

[@yummylaos]

My car is not overheating, top radiator hoses busted, but replaced, changed the water pump there was a leak! 😭🫠 right under the top radiator hoses not the actual hoses I see a leak what can it be

[@jasonathialy]

Thanks for making this informative video!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it was helpful!

[@komfykozy6421]

Thank you!

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You're welcome