Chrysler Repair: Coolant loss without apparent leak, coolant loss, radiator shop


Question
I have a '97 Chrysler Sebring that I just bought and I am losing anti-freeze. There is no visable leak and fluid on the ground.  I went to a radiator shop today and it was pressure tested. No leak on the ground, but when I got home the level was a little down again.  I have used two gallons this past week.  Help!

Answer
Hi Robert,
Two possibilities to check: See if the carpet under the dash on the passenger side is wet, and does it smell like antifreeze. That would be a sign of a heater core leak.
Watch the exhaust pipe outlet when you start the car after it has cooled down and sat such as overnight. See if there is a prolonged cloud of white smoke, and allow a little of the smoke to condense on your hand. If it smells of anti-freeze that would be a sign of an internal engine leak due usually to a head gasket break or if your lucky loose head bolts that might be tightened to stop a leak between the gasket and two metal surfaces it interfaces.
Did the radiator shop put an exhaust gas detector on the radiator filler when they tested it for pressure? That would be another way to detect an internal engine leak. Also, any signs of foamy residue in you engine oil would be a sign of the same.
Let me know if you locate any of these signs.
Roland