Radiator problem

[pathy1217]

While i was checking all my fluids on my pathy, i took the radiator cap off and looked in and there was no antifreeze, so i look over at the reservoir and it is completely full. Does anyone know why my radiator isnt getting an antifreeze? Or what the problem could be? I just took it for a little drive and thought maybe it would go back after being warmed up but nothing different...

[Chuck Tribolet]

Mine occasionally pumps some coolant into the catch tank when I tow my boattrailer in warm weather.

1. Replace the radiator cap. Today.

2. You can transfer the coolant from the catch tank back to the radiator by blowing air in the overflow on the catch tank. You can push the right size(5/16 on my '01 PF) vinyl hose in the overflow. Cut it off at an angle and pointthe low side towards the catch tank. Put the lid on the catch tank and BLOW.I eventually remembered I had an air bulb (like for a blood pressure cuff) andthat made things a lot easier.

3. Keep an eye on the catch tank. I pulled out the grille to make it real easyto check it.

The fact that it doesn't suck back in indicates that somehow some gas isgetting into the cooling system. My best guess is that there's a real minorhead gasket problem.

[pathy1217]

Thanks for the info Chuck. I really hope it isnt the head gasket but it just started doing it today. I just cleaned my throttle body and MAF sensor today also. Could that have anything to do with it? Sounds like a stupid question but what the heck

[Chuck Tribolet]

I don't think throttle body and MAF would be involved.

[Lars]

Chuck is right, somehow air is getting into the system. The cap is a quick one to replace, but you NEED to top up your coolant. If you get an air bubble stuck in the system that could cause it to push the coolant into the catch bottle, and cause your truck to overheat. I haven't serviced the cooling system on my pathy, but there is usually an air bleed somewhere high in the system that will allow you to get the air out. Just checked the FSM, there is an "air relief plug" that will help you get the air out. If you are concerned about the head gasket, there are a couple obvious signs that it has blown:1. lots of white smoke out the tail pipe 2. When checking the oil or looking at the underside of the oil fill cap it looks like someone filled you engine with a chocolate milkshake and 3. coolant shooting out the side of the engine while running (yes, it can happen, I've had it happen).

The throttle body and MAF are completely unrelated.

[W O T]

Suck the fluid out of the overflow and put it to the appropriate level, and mark, or make good memory of how full you left it (within spec), top up your rad

DEFINETELY replace the rad cap, its like $10, sounds like thats your problem anyways.

Drive around for a few heat cycles, hope to gods s*** that your overflow isnt getting pushed again

Im curious HOW low you were on coolant though, you never noticed the temp increasing past 1/2 at all?