Hi all.

After a recent 300 mile trip, noticed coolant bottle was empty,
coolant expansion bottle about 1/3 empty. This may have occurred over
more miles but was a relatively "sudden"
event. I suspect coolant may be getting burned at highway speeds. Details below.

If a head nut isn't obviously loose, should I leave those alone? (not
torque down)
I'm sure I can safely feel if a fastener is obviously under torqued
but does it take a really experienced hand to feel if a head stud is
about to snap?
Is it ok to do a leak down test with engine up to temp?

I recently replaced all cooling system parts except for front-rear
heater cores, hoses heat control valves. A head may have been replaced
by the previous owner. The system bled down correctly after my work,
there were no visible leaks. I currently don't see or smell any signs
of coolant leaks but will check hoses again. I've read that a leak can
be small enough to be an issue over long term but not easily seen.
However. The reason I suspect  coolant being burned is the relatively
sudden change in coolant level.

Thanks

Neil.

--
Neil n

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