Coolant loss when shutting down

[slomove]

On the latest 2300 mile trip I noticed a serious loss of coolant, maybe a cup to a quart per day. It does not appear to be leaky hoses or radiator because I can run the engine all day even at ambient temperatures up to 110 degrees F and the engine stays at stable 85-90 degrees C.

 

But when I shut the motor down, it pees a certain amount of coolant for a few seconds and then stops. I have the typical Raceline water rail setup with 16 lbs cap and an overflow reservoir. I am not exactly sure when that started but on the last summer trip I had to fill up barely a sip after 2 weeks.

 

Since the drip stops before I can take the nosecone off I could not really see where it comes from, that may take a bit more experimentation. But in the meantime, is that a known symptom for something on the way out (like the water pump)?

 

Thanks

[coffee break]

Have you noticed any changes in fluid colors? (Oil and coolant) Increased fuel consumption?

[slomove]

Have you noticed any changes in fluid colors? (Oil and coolant) Increased fuel consumption?

No, nothing special. It definitely does not run into the oil because at that quantity I would have butter in the crankcase or would smell it if it got into the cylinders.

 

Forgot to mention: there is actually a small fresh puddle under the front when I turn the engine off. I can still see it dripping when I hurry.

 

I guess I have to run the engine for a while without nosecone and watch where it comes out. Just did not have a chance to do this yet and was wondering if this symptom is common.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

My guess would be weep hole of the water pump.

 

Is there a reason you can't turn the car on with the nosecone off?

 

You could also tape a paper towel to the water pump to see if it gets the towel wet...

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

My guess would be weep hole of the water pump.

 

I would run the car on with the nosecone off...

 

You could also tape a paper towel to the water pump to see if it gets the towel wet...

[slomove]

My guess would be weep hole of the water pump.

 

Is there a reason you can't turn the car on with the nosecone off?

 

You could also tape a paper towel to the water pump to see if it gets the towel wet...

 

No special reason except the problem was not big enough while touring and usually way too hot outside to care. I just topped off every day.

 

But now I am home and have no excuse to get it fixed. The paper towel is a good idea (provided the belt won't snatch it). Thanks for the tip.

 

I had the weep hole leaking at one time (actually 6 years ago) and got the water pump rebuilt. So what is the reason that it should suddenly start doing that again? Just regular wear?

[HOTTTCAR]

Had the same problem. A friend told me to change the radiator cap to a higher pressure and it fixed the problem. Evidently the residual heat with the engine shut off would cause it to over flow.

Maybe the cap was just shot but it solved the problem.

[11Budlite]

Gert - If you don't have a cooling system pressure tester see if you can borrow one. Pump it up to 16psi cold and it makes it easy to see where the leak is coming from. Before I bought my Stant tester I modified a radiator cap with a threaded valve stem and just pumped it up with a bicycle pump to the required pressure. Worked just as well but not as convenient.