1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Coolant Disappearing?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Skaufma0, May 21, 2025 at 7:52 AM.

  1. May 21, 2025 at 7:52 AM
    #1
    Skaufma0

    Skaufma0 [OP] Just a little stitious.

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2023
    Member:
    #98491
    Messages:
    126
    First Name:
    Steve
    Rock Hill, SC
    Vehicle:
    2018 MBM Limited CM
    I'm needing some direction here. After being filled to the cool line, my coolant drops in the span of about 400 miles. No sign of leaks anywhere, no smell of coolant anywhere, no sign of it burning in the exhaust, it's like it just vanishes.

    Once it reaches this level at the bottom of the reservoir it doesn't go any lower. There is no boiling, bubbling, nothing. Coolant temps are normal and nothing seems effected by it, but I'm trying to figure out where to start here. I don't want to start pulling things apart if someone's seen this before. I'm used to coolant issues being pretty straightforward to diagnose but I'm scratching my head here. Maybe I'm just missing something.

    20250426_135341.jpg
     
  2. May 21, 2025 at 7:59 AM
    #2
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2021
    Member:
    #66426
    Messages:
    3,311
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Barcelona Red SR5 Crewmax
    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    You might check to coolant level in the radiator once the overflow tank is empty and your engine is at ambient temps.
     
    Skaufma0[OP] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  3. May 21, 2025 at 8:03 AM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    40,521
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    GMC 3500, Roush Mustang, Jeep Crawler
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Coolant will evaporate, but not that quick. If it was every couple of years I would say it's kinda normal.

    Check the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump closely. Second check for slow leaks that might be getting evaporated off due to a hot engine. Last, get a pressure test done (or do it yourself). This will let you know if a head gasket has met the end of life.
     
  4. May 21, 2025 at 8:10 AM
    #4
    Skaufma0

    Skaufma0 [OP] Just a little stitious.

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2023
    Member:
    #98491
    Messages:
    126
    First Name:
    Steve
    Rock Hill, SC
    Vehicle:
    2018 MBM Limited CM
    I'll check that when I get home, good call.

    Yeah it's too fast which has me nervous. I took a look around and there's no sign of a leak anywhere, but I'll get in deeper and check that weep. I just changed the oil about a month ago and levels and color were normal, so I doubt it's a head gasket, but I'll run it just in case.
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. May 21, 2025 at 8:18 AM
    #5
    WhiteSR5

    WhiteSR5 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124457
    Messages:
    181
    SC
    Vehicle:
    2021 DC SR5 4x4 (guess the color)
    Overflow tank can’t get lower than that.

    Look for obvious leaks on all the coolant plumbing; hopefully no sweet coolant smell in the cabin. Check for valley plate heat exchanger leak… it’s hard to see directly; tell tale sign will be coolant streaks on the back of the engine to transmission bell housing
     
    Skaufma0[OP] likes this.
  6. May 21, 2025 at 8:27 AM
    #6
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    40,521
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    GMC 3500, Roush Mustang, Jeep Crawler
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Get a mirror and good light. Those leaks can be on the block or a hose fitting. Seen it a lot over the years.

    You will not always see a head gasket leak in your oil if the gasket is leaking a small amount into the combustion chamber. This usually starts out slow and then goes very suddenly.

    A pressure test and coolant test will tell you everything you need to know. Here is the combustion gas tester you can easily do yourself for pretty cheap. Sometimes you can get the pressure tester and gas tester in a combo deal.
     
    Skaufma0[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top