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John Deere 200C Loosing Coolant, can't find where

joelmatt89

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2021
Messages
16
Location
Ohio
I have a John Deere 200CLC, 9k hours its a pretty solid machine. She runs great the only issue is I have to keep adding coolant. I have put around 120 hours on it and in that time I have added at least 6 gallons of coolant that I can remember. So by my math that is about 1 cup of coolant per hour. I would think that would be enough that I could see a leak somewhere if it was leaking from the radiator, pump or a hose but I can't find any leaks. That would make me think head gasket but the oil and coolant are both very clean and I get no bubbling out of the radiator. It also starts really easy, has a little smoke on startup but nothing that seems abnormal, once its warmed up the exhaust is very clean and doesn't smell sweet at all.

I hate to pull the head off for no reason and don't plant to do anything until I find a smoking gun or the consumption gets worse just wondering if anyone has some thoughts about what the issue might be or what else I should take a look at.
 

Coaldust

Senior Member
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
3,292
Location
North of the 60
Occupation
Cargo Tanks, ULSD, RUG, Methanol, LPG
Lots of tricks to the trade. Start by pressuring the cooling system with a tool and start looking. Add some UV dye and use a light. Pull guards off and start digging. Could be your heater core where you don’t expect it. Water pump weep holes leaks can evaporate before you see them.
 

joelmatt89

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2021
Messages
16
Location
Ohio
Lots of tricks to the trade. Start by pressuring the cooling system with a tool and start looking. Add some UV dye and use a light. Pull guards off and start digging. Could be your heater core where you don’t expect it. Water pump weep holes leaks can evaporate before you see them.
Good feedback, I was planning to throw some UV dye in there, hadn't thought about pressurizing the system that is a good idea. Thanks.
 

joelmatt89

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2021
Messages
16
Location
Ohio
Big thanks on recommending that tool. Pressured it up to 15 psi for an hour and it held. Took a closer look at the cap and it's in bad shape I doubt it could hold 1 psi. Guessing that's my problem. It's so easy to miss the little things.
 

joelmatt89

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2021
Messages
16
Location
Ohio
Yeah my only concern now would be if there is a leak at operating temperature of the engine. That isn't open when the engine is cool. But I'm optimistic it's just the cap, it had to be losing a decent amount through the cap there is no way that was holding any pressure. Photo of said cap:
 

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