Can’t find coolant leak!

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by roadrunner_PV, Feb 6, 2025.

  1. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    Take it to a shop.

    Tell them to pressure test your system unless you know how to do it yourself.

    If you or he leaves that connected for a few hours, you'll see leaks you never dreamed of.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
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  3. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    You hit the nail. It’s a cold leak. Considered normal on New Trucks, silicone hoses, always leak while parked. Takes a while, and a maybe few snugged up clamps before they seal up. Even an older Truck, cold snap causes negligible minor coolant and air leaks to become noticeable.
     
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  4. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Yeah that was always a thing I checked over on my truck every time we had the first cold snap of the year. On the new Freightliners it gets blamed on them being made in Mexico but probably is mostly a case of them being snug and not dripping in a warmer climate down there then in cold snaps up here the leaks start.
     
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  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    My Dad would get a new Truck every year. Silicone heater hoses were a new thing. About 1995, I’d say. When he was off at home, often needed to add a gallon. First time I heard the term Cold Leak. The fix according to one Dealer is constant tension clamps. Takes a while for the hose to get the silicone to get stuck on good. I quit using them too expensive and overrated. Good for compressor air inlet and CAC boots. Radiator and heater hoses, not really. Regular type last a good 5 years. That’s long enough. Time to flush, change thermostats, anyway.
     
    rollin coal Thanks this.
  6. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Doesn't FL use those chicken #### plastic clamps?
     
    Diesel Dave Thanks this.
  7. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    At every service I do, I snug up the all the clamps are the engine(hoses). I don’t over tighten them, just a little turn or whatever is needed.
     
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  8. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Yeah it's by feel don't over do it.

    No
     
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