Coolant/Cooling Problem

[HuskerNation]

Hey guys, once again, another thread with my silly questions. Sorry, I feel like a nag lol.

Anyway, here is my issue, my "Low Coolant" light keeps coming on. I can drive to work (like today) which is about 3 miles from my home, and my car won't even be blowing "cool" air. Still blistering cold! Temp gauge (which I don't completely trust) is still below the 'C' level. I am not losing any coolant while the car is sitting, so I am thinking maybe losing coolant when the motor is under load.

The only thing I can put my finger on is an IM gasket leak. I can't tell because nothing is wet under the hood. The Stang doesn't overheat and hasn't ever came close to it either.

The car has had the thermostat, water pump and heater core have been replaced in the last year. If anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to let me know!

Thanks
-Nick

 

[rcode99]

Air bubble or low fluid level?

 

[jcgafford]

time to pressure test the cooling system.

 

[HuskerNation]

My fluid jug is low every time I go to put coolant in. Today it was basically dry, but car is nowhere near close to over heating.

Pressure test might be my only option, do you know what it should be around?

 

[jcgafford]

i think the cap is rated somewhere around 16psi. thats not so important. what is important is when they pressurize the system that it holds pressure. "no leaks"

 

[jcgafford]

your mechanic will be able to tell you pretty quick if it is a leaky system, then the hunt begins...

 

[HuskerNation]

I do my own work

If I don't know how to do it, I learn. Self taught mechanic basically.

 

[jcgafford]

well then you will be able to find if it is leaking and not pay someone else. i do everything i can myself too. if you have never done it before make sure everything is full first and then when it is under pressure if the needle drops start looking for that leak! good luck! my old ranger had one right at the water pump that i could only find when it was under pressure without the fan blowing it away before i could see the accumulation.