Here is my situation...I replaced the water-pump and thermostat on my 1996 jeep Cherokee about 2 months ago . I checked the coolant level for a few weeks afterwords, and everything looked great. Well, 3 weeks ago, I was up north on a fishing trip, and the Temperature got down to -20 F. one morning. That cold morning, as I was driving, I noticed my temperature gauge was a hair away from red-lining. I pulled over, to let the engine cool off....I'd assumed my "new" thermostat was just acting up from the extreme cold. After a 10 minute cool down period, and stupidly opening up the radiator cap to let half a gallon of coolant spray all over everything, I drove back to my in-laws where I was staying. The engine temperature was normal on the way way back..I added the coolant I had wasted, and even let it idle again in their driveway. Everything seemed alright. Now I have been driving it for the past few weeks, and I have not had any over-heating issues, however, I have noticed my coolant level drops in the reserve tank about half an inch a week. I have also noticed when the engine is hot, the radiator cap has been cold. I checked my oil, and did not see any sign of coolant, I also checked my coolant, and did not see any sign of oil...I just recently noticed a little bit of light green on the side of my thermostat housing, near the gasket. I have not however, seen any external leaking fluid, and I have not noticed any steam, or hissing noise coming from the thermostat gasket. I have also had good heat.
So I am wondering...would a tiny hole in the thermostat gasket be enough to de-pressurize the system without noticing any escaping coolant, or hearing a hissing noise? I plan on replacing it anyway, but I am waiting for a warmer day.
I know I could have the system pressure tested, but i am trying to avoid that, just because I don't want to burn $75 dollars.
The other thing I was wondering about...Is it possible that when I refilled that lost coolant, that I got air into the system that still has not escaped???...That would be 2 months of driving every day, and I would have to think it would have worked itself out by now...but I am no expert.
Thank you for taking the time to read my rambling, and I really appreciate any help or advice you have!
I actually meant 3 weeks of driving with "replaced" coolant....not 2 months.
So I am wondering...would a tiny hole in the thermostat gasket be enough to de-pressurize the system without noticing any escaping coolant, or hearing a hissing noise? I plan on replacing it anyway, but I am waiting for a warmer day.
I know I could have the system pressure tested, but i am trying to avoid that, just because I don't want to burn $75 dollars.
The other thing I was wondering about...Is it possible that when I refilled that lost coolant, that I got air into the system that still has not escaped???...That would be 2 months of driving every day, and I would have to think it would have worked itself out by now...but I am no expert.
Thank you for taking the time to read my rambling, and I really appreciate any help or advice you have!
I actually meant 3 weeks of driving with "replaced" coolant....not 2 months.