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How much coolant loss is normal?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by awhendricks, May 17, 2019.

  1. May 17, 2019 at 8:45 PM
    #1
    awhendricks

    awhendricks [OP] New Member

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    Has anyone else had to top off their coolant reservoir? I’ve got a 2017 Tundra and after 31,000 miles, I noticed the coolant level was a little below the low mark in the overflow reservoir. I topped off the overflow reservoir to the full level (a little less than 1 quart), and I even had the dealership check the water pump for any leaks, and no leaks were found. I’ve had no coolant leaks, the oil level and appearance has always been perfect, and the radiator was still filled to the top. I can only assume some heated coolant evaporates out of the overflow tank overtime. Embarrassingly, I can’t confirm what the exact starting level was, but I have a good starting point now. Just checking to see what everyone else’s experiences have been.
     
  2. May 18, 2019 at 2:53 AM
    #2
    Blkdmax

    Blkdmax New Member

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    I went though the same thing when I got my tundra. I learned that the coolant level fluctuates alot with the outside temps and engine temps. Even though my level fluctuates it never actually loses any.
     
    15whtrd and Racingjohndeere55 like this.
  3. May 18, 2019 at 5:05 AM
    #3
    ProtoJ

    ProtoJ New Member

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    I’ve had to do this on all 3 of my Toyota’s.....all 3 the level drops eventually without a leak and I add some. Evaporation? Honestly I don’t know why.....but my coolant temps always seem fine.
     
  4. May 18, 2019 at 5:08 AM
    #4
    TRD Pro Rookie

    TRD Pro Rookie New Member

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    Nothing major
  5. May 18, 2019 at 5:19 AM
    #5
    Racingjohndeere55

    Racingjohndeere55 New Member

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    2011, same thing. Check it one day in the 40's its lower in the top off tank. Check it in the 70's it's at the full level.
     
  6. May 18, 2019 at 5:41 AM
    #6
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    This ^^^^.

    When you drive on hot Texas days, in traffic, with the AC keeping you cool, the load on the cooling system increases. With the additional heat load, coolant expands into the overflow tank (that is what it's for). When you shut the engine off, there is still hot coolant in the overflow tank. As the engine cools, the coolant excess is drawn back into the cooling system, but during that cool down, a very slight amount of water will be evaporated from the overflow tank. Over time it adds up. The lower the relative humidity, the faster that evaporation occurs.

    Occasionally, a breath of dry air will blow up to Austin, Texas from Mexico, and you lose a little coolant water. Not a problem, just add a little distilled water to replace. :D
     
    MistrRoboto, 15whtrd and Trooper2 like this.

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