Hummer H3 For the Hummer driver who wants the rugged look and off road capabilities of the Hummer, but in a smaller size and with a more fuel economy friendly engine.

Seriously where's the coolant going?

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Old Jun 20, 2024 | 09:54 PM
  #1  
MadDogBimmer89's Avatar
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Default Seriously where's the coolant going?

I topped off my reservoir, but after some time coolant level tends to drop a bit. Doesn't bother me, but makes me wonder, where's it going?

Pressurised the system to 15psi via radiator, went around and found absolutely no leaks. Went back up and gauge was still at 15psi. Waited about 20min and still held 15psi. Oil analysis also came back clean so I don't suspect head gasket.

I understand the reservoir is not a sealed system, is it evaporating?
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 07:00 AM
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quote- I topped off my reservoir, but after some time coolant level tends to drop a bit. Doesn't bother me, but makes me wonder, where's it going? -quote


Has your H3 ever overheated?
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 08:22 AM
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I presume urgent testing when cold?
Problem is if system has Crack that only shows with truck at operating levels you'll never know. Put some u.v. dye in and then test with black light.
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 09:23 AM
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Check your Transmission Fluid for coolant contamination. How does the coolant look?
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by ski.dive
quote- I topped off my reservoir, but after some time coolant level tends to drop a bit. Doesn't bother me, but makes me wonder, where's it going? -quote


Has your H3 ever overheated?
overheated, not that I am aware of. It ran hot when I first got it almost a year ago, but that issue has been resolved.

Originally Posted by Happy Hummer
I presume urgent testing when cold?
Problem is if system has Crack that only shows with truck at operating levels you'll never know. Put some u.v. dye in and then test with black light.
yes tested when cold, I've also tested for combustion gases. I'll try the dye method and see if I find anything.

If the system had a crack somewhere, wouldn't I see pressure drop? What baffles me is that it holds steady 15psi - why I am at a loss.

Originally Posted by Doc Olds
Check your Transmission Fluid for coolant contamination. How does the coolant look?
I have an external transmission cooler.

Does DEXCOOL not evaporate?

 

Last edited by MadDogBimmer89; Jun 21, 2024 at 10:42 AM.
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by MadDogBimmer89

Does DEXCOOL not evaporate?
Not when sealed! Properly sealed radiator cap & reservoir cap prevents evaporation. Btw, my 3 had a coolant loss 2x in the last 12yrs, only at operating temperature.
#1-12yrs ago I found hairline crack in the upper radiator tank, replaced radiator with aftermarket and still sealed.
#2-2yrs ago I found coolant loss at the water pump weep hole, replaced pump with aftermarket and still sealed.
Bottom line, you have a coolant leak.
Edit: I just checked my reservoir still at the FULL COLD level @96°F Ambient, and there's condensation inside under the cap.


 

Last edited by hummerz; Jun 21, 2024 at 01:33 PM.
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 02:04 PM
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Things like this will drive you crazy...Fill it up and keep driving your H3
 

Last edited by ski.dive; Jun 21, 2024 at 02:54 PM.
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 02:50 PM
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My H3 2006 has been losing coolant from the beginning.

No clue where it goes.
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by wpage
My H3 2006 has been losing coolant from the beginning.

No clue where it goes.
Out the tail pipe?
 
Old Jun 21, 2024 | 04:15 PM
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Come to think of it, maybe I had some air in the system and it took some time to even out. Just filled it back up, will keep and eye on it and see.
 



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