Coolant lost

[W Kendall]

I have a Perkins Range 4 M135. I recently noticed that the coolant level in the reservoir had dropped. No external leaks to be seen. No signs of anything different in the base. The engine starts easily, and runs smooth. Do I have a serious problem?

Thanks
W Kendall

 

[gonzo]

Most likely the heat exchanger is dumping the coolant out.

 

[W Kendall]

Heat Exchanger

Thank You Gonzo. If the heat exchanger is dumping out the coolant, does this mean that the exchanger is shot?

 

[gonzo]

Depending on the type, it may just be an end gasket. If one of the tubes is leaking, they can usually be welded.

 

[FAST FRED]

Most water reservoir on small engines will never stay full.

As the coolant expands it will be vented by the usuall low pressure cap.

This is normal, and no worry ,,,IF the less than full level remains the same after the first venting.

The auto style slobber bottle , with the proper pressure cap could solve this , if you want to bother.