I just discovered that after filling the reserve tank to max level about 500 miles ago it is now empty. This may be a stupid question, does the radiator sucks coolant from the reserve tank if there is a lack of coolant in the system? I just refill the reserve tank back to the max level and went for a long drive. To my suprise, when I return and checked the coolant level it is above the max level. WTF? I have not seen any signs of coolant leak. No white smoke with start up other than your regular 1-2 minutes of white smoke in the morning when the engine is cold. Can someone out there shed some light on this issue please?

 

Um....it's a resevoir. When you have too much coolant flowing, it goes into that tank and when you have too little flowing through it sucks it out.

Maybe you have a leak somehwere, maybe you're just misunderstanding what it does or maybe I am misunderstanding what you're trying to say....

 

How much white smoke should I see through the exhaust if I am having a coolant leak? Should I see the white smoke all the time or just with cold start? I am really depressed over this.

 

I'm not sure you have a problem. On my GSL, when cold, I have the coolant right at the max level line. At operating temps, the level will be about a half-inch above this line. As the engine cools down, the engine will suck it back in.

Keep a close eye on the level when cold and note any changes. Check hoses for leaks, and signs of hard starting with excessive white smoke.

 

According to the manual, the coolant reservoir should register half-way between Hot and Cold. When the engine is completely warmed up, the level may go as high as Hot.

 

Your radiator cap is an integral part of the over flow tank. It might be time to get a new one.

 

thanks for all the replys. I am keeping a close eye on the coolant level. It may well be the previous owner never fill the reserve tank to the max level. I can't say the white smoke that comes out when cold start has a sweet smell. I even try to burn some coolant and compared the smell.LOL. I will wait and see.