Coolant Overflow

[gkhashem]

Just a question if anyone has any insight. I was putting the vehicles to bed for the winter the other day and took them all out for the last time before spring. Treated the fuel and filled the tanks. So when I took the Reatta out there was some coolant on the floor. A fair amount ( about 1/4 of a measuring cup or less) but could see no noticeable drop in the level or any leaks on the radiator or hoses just on the floor under where the overflow tank is.

The car had sat for about three weeks before I last used it. I had the freon recharged with R-12 and then parked it in the garage 3 weeks ago.

Five days later still no leaks just seemed odd.

Any thoughts.

[2seater]

Just a guess, but possibly a crack in the overflow hose or connection. Upon shutdown there may be coolant shunted to the overflow from temperature rise but may not return to the radiator as it cools so the level looks normal.

[gkhashem]

I looked at the hose and saw no coolant at either end So I was puzzled guess I will look closer at the hose itself

[Guest Richard D]

The bottom of the over flow tank can sometimes develop a small crack at the seam, hard to see.

[gkhashem]

That's a real possibility but its not leaking at the moment. Its really hard to see what's going on in that area. without removing the tank.

[jonlabree]

Remove the battery and check the overflow hose and the fitting at the overflow tank.

[charlie1]

Definately remove the battery and look things over. I discovered the battery was pinching the hose on my 89 Riviera. Replaced hose and problem solved.

[gkhashem]

Well I took out the battery, not the hose. The hose was tucked under battery tray corner and looked OK. Saw no coolant while I didn't remove hose since I would have had to unclamp it for a lack of slack in the hose. I looked for coolant and dry as a bone so I am a bit puzzled unless the hose had a hole in the bottom and leaked out?? No further leaks so I will wait until spring to look further.