finding a coolant leak

[70herald]

I seem to have a coolant leak on my nissan van since the coolant level keeps going down. No drips when parking and I haven't been able to find anything wet ... So I need good ideas as to finding the leak or .. opinions on using a radiator sealant and hoping if finds the leak

 

[sd80mac7204]

Do you have any white smoke at the tail pipe when running?

 

[70herald]

No white smoke or steam so I don't think that it is a head / gasket leak.

 

[Billm]

Could easily be your heater core leaking and the liquid going out somewhere you can't see. Might want to close off the lines to the heater and see if the leak stops.
BillM

 

[Banjo]

See if you can borrow a coolant pressure tester (check at Auto-Zone, they rent tools), pressurize the system while it's cold, then do some investigating with a good flashlight.
Personally I do not like stop-leaks. They tend to stop coolant flow in smaller passages and generally make a mess of things. In an emergency you gotta do what yo gotta do, but I reserve things like stop-leak and fix-a-flat for those conditions.

 

[JPSmit]

I'm told that pretty much every new car comes with Barsleak from the factory. I poured a can in the Midget when I re-commissioned it.

 

[Banjo]

You're correct, in a way. the new coolants do have a built in stop leak feature. they are designed to crust up around any leaks. A stop leak of that kind is fine, but anything you have to shake up before pouring in I would avoid. I cringe at the thought of pouring a can of glop onto a cooling system. An old beater that you're just trying to stretch out a bit longer, fine. but something you plan to keep, take the time to locate the leak first. It may be some loose connection or a rusty pipe. a cheap simple fix.

 

[Billm]

It is gonna be really tough to find an Auto-zone in Jerusalem!

 

[70herald]

It is gonna be really tough to find an Auto-zone in Jerusalem!

VERY difficult. On the other hand, I still have several old fashioned parts shops with an upside down worn out piston on the desk for an ashtray.

I will stop by a local tool shop and see what I can find, or if that fails make some sort of adapter.