Overfill tank issue

[Freshjivin]

Hey guys,

My overfill tank seems to keep running dry although i've checked the radiator and it's been full. So i end up filling the overfill tank and in a few days or so when I go to check it again it's empty but the radiator is full. Any possible causes for this?

Cheers

[BlackVXGTS]

Some suggestions:
1. Leak in your overflow tank.
2. Leak somewhere else in your cooling system.
3. Your cooling system overheats and pushes coolant (I assume you are using coolant and not water) into the overflow tank and out the overflow tube. When it cools the radiator draws all the coolant still in the overflow tank back into the radiator.

[jesse_lankey]

your inlet manifold gasket may be shot, check your oil and see if its milky, but the car would be running fairly rough if this was the case

[hako]

A bad radiator cap can also cause this problem.

[darcycammo]

Okay i have just had the same problem with mine and i have fixed it i changed a couple of things this is what you should do
1 go over all water pipes tighten the screws up (you might end up finding that the pipes r that old & worn out that they will not tighten up any more and this could be the leak
2 get a new radiator cap (i bought one from super cheap and is was crap so i got one from Bursons alot better)
3 change thermostat and thermostat gasket
4 check around driver footwell area if the carpet is wet it might be the heater core could be leaking
5 leaking check oil cap if it has white stuff under it the inlet manifold could be it this is what mine ended up being

[Freshjivin]

Cheers guys, appreciate the quick feedback.
Definately using coolant and not water. Will hopefully get to go through all of the ideas you guys have given this weekend. Ive replaced the thermostat and had the Head gasket etc changed around 6months ago and no milky residue on the oil cap etc. Sorry for the noob question but could crappy oil be the cause? Just a thought as that was low recently and was only topped up but not bled.

Only other place i have leaking which i'm pretty sure is off topic is in the boot, everything seems to get freaken mold on it and no idea how to fix that!
Any ways of telling if your radiator cap is shot?

[darcycammo]

Any ways of telling if your radiator cap is shot?

I wouldn't even worry about using that one anymore they are only about $10-15 it's a pretty cheap and easy thing to change and could solve your problem
btw are you in Vic?

[hako]

Sorry for the noob question but could crappy oil be the cause? Just a thought as that was low recently and was only topped up but not bled.

Only other place i have leaking which i'm pretty sure is off topic is in the boot, everything seems to get freaken mold on it and no idea how to fix that!
Any ways of telling if your radiator cap is shot?

Re 1st para - can you re-phrase please....and we were all noobs once!
Re 2nd para - check under the spare tyre for water - this is where it usually accumulates. Usual cause is leaks thru the rear quarter windows on both sides - you have to remove windows, clean and seal....not impossible but time consuming.
Re 3rd para - if it doesn't look new, or the rubber cap seal is soft then replace it ...they are very cheap.

[Freshjivin]

Thanks a heap for all the info guys, keen on trying to get the car up to scratch before taking the kids out camping over Xmas so that I don't run into trouble in the middle of nowhere!
Living in Vic Darcy;

1st para: I noticed whilst driving and braking hard-ish that the oil light would come on and have had this once before where the oil was low so just did what my mechanic told me over the phone and topped it up with oil asap and have booked it in for a full service etc but the oil I used from just generic supermarket crap (closest to where I was at the time as the mechanic seemed quite adament that I get some oil in asap so I went to the closest place possible so as not to put any more strain on the car) oil was a named well known brand from memory but can't remember if it was 10-40w etc or whatever it is. I remember reading on here that whenever you fill your oil your meant to flush out the old crap so wasn't sure if that was meant to be done as I only topped her up rather than flushing out the old crap.

In regards to the leaky boot I will check that today cheers!

Would send the partner out to get a radiator cap but she would probably come back with a hat from a radiator company so i'll give that a go this Friday night as most auto places are usually open a little later on Fridays/

[hako]

1st para: I noticed whilst driving and braking hard-ish that the oil light would come on and have had this once before where the oil was low so just did what my mechanic told me over the phone and topped it up with oil asap and have booked it in for a full service etc but the oil I used from just generic supermarket crap (closest to where I was at the time as the mechanic seemed quite adament that I get some oil in asap so I went to the closest place possible so as not to put any more strain on the car) oil was a named well known brand from memory but can't remember if it was 10-40w etc or whatever it is. I remember reading on here that whenever you fill your oil your meant to flush out the old crap so wasn't sure if that was meant to be done as I only topped her up rather than flushing out the old crap.

/

Probably the oil light came on when you braked hard causing the remaining oil in the sump to run to the front of the sump and away from the oil pickup. Any oil is better than none so I wouldn't worry too much....just keep a sharp eye on checking your oil level!