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Thread: Coolant level warning but no overheating?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    10

    Default Coolant level warning but no overheating?

    My '89 M20 coolant continues to disappear. In the morning, I top it off to the 'COLD' level of the expansion tank, but it the coolant level sensor sends the warning every evening after only about 75 miles of driving. After the engine cools, there is some residual coolant at the bottom of the expansion tank, but not much. There are no visible leaks during or after driving, I've bled the air out of the system (The temperature gauge did display an overheating condition before I did so) as instructed on this site and the manual. I've replaced the thermostat and the cooling hoses firm up after a warm-up period.

    If my coolant is disappearing, why doesn't my engine overheat? It doesn't seem normal, but except for the 'coolant warning' indication, there would be no indication of a problem.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    1,640

    Default

    Are you using antifreeze? Do you smell antifreeze in the exhaust?
    Bellevue WA
    90 535iM - not much stock remains. 3.7 liters, ported head, cammed, 3.73 diffy, M5 brakes, MAFed, yadda yadda yadda
    86 Porsche 951 - Track Toy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default

    you wont overheat until the water level is too low to continue to cool the engine, the coolant level warning just says your low. You have to isolate the leak somehow. It either is running into the engine or you have a leak that may be leaking ONTO the engine somewhere and boiling off before you see a drip/leak.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    10

    Default

    Thanks for the responses.

    I have actually randomly pulled over to try and 'catch' evidence of a leak but found none.

    I'll check for anti-freeze smell after work today.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default shut the engine off when hot and pop the huud and smell away!

    Quote Originally Posted by BAYEMVAY
    Thanks for the responses.

    I have actually randomly pulled over to try and 'catch' evidence of a leak but found none.

    I'll check for anti-freeze smell after work today.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

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