KAD44 Using too much coolant

[Ianj68]

Just prior to having a service and during routine checks I noticed that the Coolant levels on my KAD44 were low. I mentioned this to the guy who serviced it who suggested there may be head gasket problems. He investigated further and could find no problems.

I've done about 15 hours since the service and have noticed that the coolant levels are below minimum again. Based on the temp gauge the engine is not running hot and I clean the strainer on a regular basis. I can't see any trace of coolant in the bilge.

Any pointers on this one?

Thanks

Ian.

 

[volvopaul]

Yes possible leaking heat exchanger, you will be loosing it if there is a leaking tube in the stack, pressure test should show it up wit raw water hoses disconnected, antifreeze mix will show up .

 

[scubaman]

One Volvo engineer told me that it's enough if the coolant covers the bottom of the container. Ie. excess coolant tends to escape through the cap and evaporate leaving no marks.

You might also have a HG problem, though you would normally find leaking marks on the sides of the block or water in the oil, etc.

IMHO, if always some coolant remains in the container, you should be ok.

 

[Ianj68]

Thanks for the responses.

The service I mentioned was the engine's first 200 hour job during which I had the valve clearances done. I guess that would have meant a new head gasket. If I'm correct, would that limit the chance of coolant leaking into the oil? Also, I dipped the oil and checked the filler cap and could find no trace of emulsion in the oil.

I'm tempted to leave things as they are for the next few trips to see if the levels drop any further. Is this wise?

Ian

 

[scubaman]

I don't think that the head gasket is changed when the clearances are adjusted.

I know of people who have got along years with a leaking gasket, so as long as you make sure you don't let coolant level too low and keep an eye on the engine temp you should be ok. Especially if the container never becomes completely empty =)

You could do a test topping up first every hour, then every two hours and so on to see how much is lost. Also, over filling pointless so fill only between the marks.

All IMHO of course =)

 

[A_8]

If I fill mine (KAD43) to max I will loose coolant until its approx 5mm under the min line (when cool). It then stays there.
It escapes through the cap and traces of coolant can be seen around the cap and on the side of the engine/floors.
If you have no other symptoms I suggest you leave it and see if it eventually stops around the min line.

 

[AdeOlly]

Seems a bit of a Volvo trait this, I have exactly the same behaviour on my AD31s. I've been told Volvo used expansion containers that are too small. Agree with advice to leave alone and see if it stablisies around the minimum mark, though if it's escaping though the pressure cap you should see evidence of this.

 

[tetleys]

I agree with Michael J . I had exactly the same for five years on kad 43s and kad 44s. After service and fully brimmed the expansion tanks would quickly drop to just below minimum where they would stay all season. I had the same worries you are having but these went when everyone told me it was a common volvo issue