finding a coolant leak

[TomFromStLouis]

I find I need to carry a gallon of 50/50 and top off the radiator every couple of trips these days. I do not see coolant under the parking spot nor do I see any spewing out the overflow when it gets over 212*, so I am not sure where the stuff is going. I know the level is low when the temperature climbs over 210. Can you recommend any simple procedures for finding the source of the problem? I could easily drive it forever the way it is, but it was not this way last year and clearly this is not normal. It sounds like it might be an easy fix. Right?

 

[Keoke]

Put your hand the exhaust stream when she is hot and see if it gets wet- , I f it does the repair is not simple unless it is simply the head gasket going south-Keoke--?????

 

[John Turney]

In case you don't want to burn your hand, you may look at your oil and see if it's milky, also see if the coolant is milky (open when cool) and pull the spark plugs and see if one is especially clean.

 

[tahoe healey]

How much are you adding? The level usually should be about one inch below the bottom of the radiator fill. If you fill more than that it will only leak out the over flow pipe when hot.