Quickly goes antifreeze? Where does antifreeze go, what to do and what is the reason?

With a problem such as a refrigerant leak, many drivers are faced. This thing is not only that expensive, but also dangerous for the engine. Therefore, if you notice that the liquid level in the reservoir is rapidly lowering, that is, the antifreeze goes away, it is necessary to take appropriate measures urgently. What can be the reasons for this phenomenon and how to correct the situation, we will consider in this article.

Engine breakdown prevention

In order to avoid engine breakdown due to loss of coolant, it is necessary to periodically check all system components for potential leaks. Of course, be sure to monitor the level of refrigerant in the tank. When running the engine, it should in no case be below the MIN mark. The following factors may be indicative of the fact that antifreeze goes away:

1. The stove does not work.
2. The liquid level in the reservoir periodically falls.
3. The engine overheats or its temperature does not rise to the operating temperature.

A slight decrease or increase in the level of antifreeze when the engine is heated or cooled is quite normal. If the antifreeze has to be replenished periodically, it means that it is urgent to search for the cause of the malfunction.

Checking the integrity of cooling system components

In case of leakage, the system should be inspected in the following sequence:

1. Check the expansion tank for cracks.
2. Inspect the engine cooler.
3. Check radiator of heater.
4. Inspect the thermostat housing.
5. Check all pump and cylinder connections. In addition, you should inspect the drainage port of the pump. If leakage is found, it means that the seal was worn.

Possible problems with the radiator

The reason that the antifreeze goes out of the expansion tank is the depressurization of the components of the cooling system. The most common problems occur with the radiator. Damage to this structural element can occur as a result of external physical impact (for example, during a breakdown by a stone). Also, plates, on which ethylene glycol contained in tosols are permanently destructive, can be worn. Some radiators can be equipped with plastic tanks. The latter in case of loss of antifreeze should also be checked. Over time, plastic begins to crack.

Damage to the radiator of the heater

You should also find out where antifreeze goes. In the event that there is an unpleasant smell in the cabin, and a sticky stain is constantly spreading under the dashboard, the cause of the leak is likely to be in the radiator. In this case, white couples also usually go to the salon. Eliminate such a problem must begin immediately. The fact is that antifreeze vapors are toxic.

Cause of leakage - loss of tightness of pump

In the event that the oil goes into the antifreeze, the cause may be in the oil seal of the pump. In order to check the soundness of her work, you need to conduct a thorough examination. The pump is installed at the bottom of the engine, and if there are damp spots in the immediate vicinity, then the problem is precisely in it.

Checking the thermostat

If antifreeze goes away, the reasons may be in the depressurization of the thermostat. It also needs to be checked carefully for leaks. Usually the reason is in the gaskets. In addition, the engine may overheat and due to malfunction of this element. Determining how well this node works is easy.

The circulation of the liquid along the small and large circles is checked to the touch - according to the temperature of the hose and nozzles. In a working cooling system, the thermostat valve is closed until the antifreeze temperature reaches a certain value (in LADA Priora - up to 90 g). At the same time, the antifreeze circulates through a small circle. Therefore, the heatsink itself, and the hose at the bottom is colder than the thermostat housing. When the antifreeze is heated up to 90 g the valve starts to open slowly, and the flow of hot liquid enters the radiator. The latter gradually warms up as a result. The valve will fully open at a temperature of 102 ° C. In this case, all the antifreeze will begin to pass through the radiator. To the touch, the upper part of it will be hotter than the bottom.

The engine must be left running until the radiator fan assembly is activated. It is necessary to follow the arrow of the temperature indicator. After it approaches the boundary of the red zone, the fan should turn on. When the liquid cools, it turns off.

Hose break and nipple damage

The antifreeze may also leak through the damaged hose, or through a depressurized pipe. Especially often this is the reason that antifreeze goes away in old cars. The fact is that the hose material eventually grows old and crack. From the pressure of the liquid, it can easily burst. The fastening on the joint also weakens with the passage of time. Therefore, in order to avoid trouble, hoses in domestic cars should be changed at least once in 5 years, and in foreign cars - once in 10 years. For fixing it is worth using not tape clamps, but screw, as they differ much more reliability.

Determine the fact that it is the hoses that are to blame for the leak, you can by examining the floor for the presence of antifreeze spots. Sometimes the damage may not be too serious and unnoticeable to the eye. In order to detect such a small leakage, the hose must first be thoroughly wiped, and then slightly extinguished and muffled by the engine. Next, take a close inspection. The problem of loss of coolant can be exacerbated during the cold season. The fact is that the lower the temperature, the lower its viscosity. Therefore, antifreeze goes away more quickly in winter.

Replacement of branch pipes

This operation can be carried out only after the engine is completely cooled. Otherwise it is not difficult to get a steam burn. The nozzle is replaced as follows:

1. A liquid is drained from the cooling system. It is best to take clean dishes. Antifreeze can be used repeatedly.
2. Old collars are smeared with a small amount of oil (low viscosity).
3. In order to detach the branch pipe, the clamps should be loosened and moved along to the free space.
4. After that, the nozzle is removed from the neck. A hot system can not be disconnected. Since the neck of the radiators is not very strong, all the operations must be done as carefully as possible. Sometimes it happens that the nozzle is not removed. In doing so, you should first try to crank it. If this does not help, you'll have to cut it with a sharp knife along the neck. It is worth it in any case cheaper than a radiator.
5. On the new branch pipe put on the clamps and shift them to the middle.
6. Then it is pulled on the neck. In the event that the nozzle is not worn, it must be lowered for some time into hot water. In this case, it is not recommended to use any oils. The fact is that they can damage the rubber.
7. The pipe is fully tightened to the neck, making sure that it does not twist.
8. Clamps are shifted over the ledges and tightened.

Break of the gasket or damage to the partition

This case can be called the most serious. In case of damage inside the engine, the antifreeze starts to flow into the oil. It is not difficult to determine the occurrence of such a problem. The liquid in the tank begins to bubble, and an off-white mixture appears in the oil. You can also look at the exhaust. In this case, white fogging of tosola is noticeable. If the antifreeze goes into the engine, the cause may be in damage to the internal partitions or liner or in the breakthrough of the gasket.

How to drain antifreeze properly

Of course, before you start replacing the unusable elements of the cooling system, you need to drain the antifreeze. Do this as follows:

1. First of all, it is necessary to stop the engine and allow it to cool. If this is not done, when the lid is opened, the antifreeze vapors will escape outside under pressure and you will get burned.
2. After the motor has cooled down, the cap is opened.
3. Dismantle the lower lining of the compartment.
4. Under the engine it will be necessary to put a broad bath for reception of antifreeze.
5. Remove the bottom water radiator hose.

In the four-cylinder engine on the left side you need to remove the thick hose, as well as thin, leading to the heating system. After that you can proceed to the drain. In the six-cylinder engine, a screw plug is unscrewed from below on the block.

Do not discharge the antifreeze into the sewer system. The liquid is very toxic. Therefore, it should be poured into a separate container and put into disposal.

Thus, in the event that the antifreeze goes away, it is necessary to conduct a thorough check of all components and parts of the cooling system for leaks. Elements that have become unusable should be replaced immediately. Such problems with time can lead to the need for expensive engine repairs, and in some cases are even dangerous to health.