Low coolant issues
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From: Ohio
Low coolant issues
I have a 2004 350z convertible. 160,000 miles A/T. Just finished doing the oil gallery gaskets. Replaced all hoses with z1 silicone hose kit. Filled it up, bled system of air. It overheated when my wife was driving it. Coolant was low. No external leaks. Small amount of intermittent white smoke from exhaust. But I used a block test today and it passed. I did it three times. So that kinda sorta rules out head gaskets. So what gives? I heard something about the radiator having lines for a transmission Cooler built in. Could they have mixed? Car was in an accident before we got it but the radiator works. Just a little bent. Any advice?
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From: Iowa
If the transmission cooler leaks you should see it in the coolant and if you check the transmission fluid. It's common to struggle to bleed the DE so maybe you have or had an air pocket in the cooling system? The silicon hoses also just bleed coolant, they are more permeable than rubber, so if its been long enough, months or years, or enough hot miles, 3K-5K, from when you refilled the coolant it could have just evaporated.
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From: ZdayZ
A couple of thoughts -
This setup is notorious for trapping air in the cooling system, particularly the heater core. I remove the bleed valve and place a funnel in the tube, then pour coolant in until it overflows. Replace cap, drive car and repeat as necessary.
As far as white smoke out the exhaust - at 160k that's not really surprising. Easy way to tell if it's oil or coolant is simply smell it. Coolant will smell slightly sweet and indicates problems ahead. An oily smell would be normal at this age, just keep the oil topped off. Gl!
This setup is notorious for trapping air in the cooling system, particularly the heater core. I remove the bleed valve and place a funnel in the tube, then pour coolant in until it overflows. Replace cap, drive car and repeat as necessary.
As far as white smoke out the exhaust - at 160k that's not really surprising. Easy way to tell if it's oil or coolant is simply smell it. Coolant will smell slightly sweet and indicates problems ahead. An oily smell would be normal at this age, just keep the oil topped off. Gl!
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New Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
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From: Ohio
If the transmission cooler leaks you should see it in the coolant and if you check the transmission fluid. It's common to struggle to bleed the DE so maybe you have or had an air pocket in the cooling system? The silicon hoses also just bleed coolant, they are more permeable than rubber, so if its been long enough, months or years, or enough hot miles, 3K-5K, from when you refilled the coolant it could have just evaporated.
it has only been a few days. I’ve been chasing issue after issue with this car and haven’t been able to drive it.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
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From: Ohio
A couple of thoughts -
This setup is notorious for trapping air in the cooling system, particularly the heater core. I remove the bleed valve and place a funnel in the tube, then pour coolant in until it overflows. Replace cap, drive car and repeat as necessary.
As far as white smoke out the exhaust - at 160k that's not really surprising. Easy way to tell if it's oil or coolant is simply smell it. Coolant will smell slightly sweet and indicates problems ahead. An oily smell would be normal at this age, just keep the oil topped off. Gl!
This setup is notorious for trapping air in the cooling system, particularly the heater core. I remove the bleed valve and place a funnel in the tube, then pour coolant in until it overflows. Replace cap, drive car and repeat as necessary.
As far as white smoke out the exhaust - at 160k that's not really surprising. Easy way to tell if it's oil or coolant is simply smell it. Coolant will smell slightly sweet and indicates problems ahead. An oily smell would be normal at this age, just keep the oil topped off. Gl!
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MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
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From: ZdayZ
There's a very useful thread here called "Burp." It will help you. Another indicator is coolant consumption without leakage. It is possible to do head gaskets at home if you have cover/garage.
Gl!
Gl!
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