Question about coolant LOSS
 

Is it common to have to add about a third of a quart of coolant to the radiator every week or so when starting in extremely cold conditions. It will sometimes take me a couple of attempts to start it, as my spark plugs need replaced, and the engine is so cold, so I figure that some coolant is consumed in the startup process when cranking the engine for a few seconds at a time. Would this cause much coolant to be burned (when injected upon startup)? I'm just unsure of how much is actually used. I do have a slight coolant leak near the radiator cap. The O-ring where the two plastic pieces bolt together near the cap needs to be adjusted, so it is leaking slightly every once in a while. I haven't gotten to fix it yet, as it is currently my daily driver, so this, too may be the problem. I was just wondering what you guys thought. You think the coolant loss is due to the leak, the cold starts, or a combination of both? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Derek


P.S. In case you were wondering, I do fill the coolant each time the buzzer warns me that it is low. ;)

Its not the cold start system. The cold start draws coolant from a reservoir located on the passanger side of the firewall.

The O ring is an easy fix - just 2 bolts. Much easier than adding coolant every few days.

Yeah, I had a feeling this was my problem. I took the radiator, battery, and intake out a while back. When I put the O-ring back in near the cap, it seemed too big for the slot that it fits in. I was kinda in a hurry, so I got lazy about trying to fit it in. I guess I'll have to take it back apart and mess with it. Thanks for the input.

-Derek