97 Intrepid comsuming coolant fluid

My 97 Intrepid is slowly consuming some coolant fluid and i cant see any
leaks. I have to add about 1/2 litre every 3 weks. There is sometimes the
odd smell of "Prestone" when heater is in use.

What could be probable cause?

Thanks!

 

COuld be a bad heater core That would give you the smell too. Check to see
if the passanger carpet is damp

 

heater core. Easy way to find out is to use a length of heater hose and
temporairly
bridge out the heater from the cooling circuit and drive it for 3 weeks and
see
if the coolant level keeps dropping.

Usually these are a bitch to replace.

Ted

 

As others have mentioned, a leaking heater core comes to mind. Also
check the pressure cap, as they can start leaking - not enough that you
see any residue around it but enough to cause gradual coolant loss. I
know that goes against the smell you mention when you run the heater,
but leaking caps act just like you say (again ignoring the odor
observation). Sometimes they are so sneaky (not enough tell-tale
residue) that the only way to prove it is to replace the cap and then
notice that the disappearing coolant problem goes away.

The cap is so relatively inexpensive, I'd try that first (before
replacing the core) unless I first *proved* that the core was leaking -
it probably needs to be replaced anyway if it hasn't been done in a long
time. I'd get that particular item from the dealer.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Just to clarify after re-reading what I wrote there, the 'it' in that
sentence refers to the cap, not the heater core.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Leaky heater core sounds pretty likely.