2011 2SS gradually sipping Dexcool. I'm concerned.

[Sleeper_Six]

Hi everyone! I have a 2011 2SS, with just over 70,000 miles. I love my car, it is the coolest car I have ever owned, and I am worried about it right now.

About a month ago I noticed the engine overheating, so I refilled the 50/50 Dexcool, and I thought with the weather getting up around 110° daily for the previous couple of weeks, it could have somehow evaporated.

But it happened again today. I filled her up with the 50/50 Dexcool mix, and the problem seems to be solved...again.

I inspected the engine, I see no obvious points where it could be leaking. No pools, collecting in the engine bay and no pink puddles underneath in the garage, hoses all seem to be in good shape.

But this kind of scares me:

When it's running I notice that there is a slight wetness to the exhaust. Not steam, no clouds or visible misting, but the exhaust does fog up a mirror. I am concerned that I have a slight head gasket leak and that's where the coolant is escaping to.

I turn wrenches all day and would prefer NOT to have to pull an engine head off my personal car.

If any of you experienced Camaro mechanics could lend me any guidance, or share your thoughts I would appreciate it. Thank you so much.

[kingz]

I hope it get fixed quickly Bro

[Avenging Orange]

Condensation in the exhaust is normal. Are you just filling the reservoir or radiator?

[Sleeper_Six]

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

Condensation in the exhaust is normal. Are you just filling the reservoir or radiator?

Just the reservoir on the side of the Radiator. Should I be filling the actual radiator?

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by Sleeper_Six

Just the reservoir on the side of the Radiator. Should I be filling the actual radiator?

Yes!

If your coolant got low enough to cause overheating, you can't properly refill it from the surge tank.

When the engine is cool, take off the radiator cap and fill the radiator. Next, run the engine until coolant starts circulating. The level in the radiator will probably go down again as air bubbles up, so add more. Finally cap the radiator and adjust the level in the surge tank.

Now as far as the leak goes, you need to get under the car and look for small leaks that never drip on the ground. Any moisture at hose fittings indicates a problem. Don't forget the coolant lines from the engine to the oil cooler, a known problem in early Gen5's.

[Abelardoo_12]

I have a 2011 that does the exact same thing. I've gotten used to refilling it whenever it needs it but the radiator is always full. I've been driving like that for a while now with no problem, I just dont let the reservoir get completely empty.

[Sleeper_Six]

Thanks Everyone. Puts my mind at ease knowing that my car is acting normal.

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by Sleeper_Six

Thanks Everyone. Puts my mind at ease knowing that my car is acting normal.

No, not normal. You should be able to go for years without adding coolant.

You need to get under the car and look for failing coolant line fittings and seals. The leaks are only going to get worse.

[hunter1660]

Make sure the floors dry on the passanger side.

[Spurshot]

To determine if you have a head gasket leak, a specific gravity check of the coolant used to be a way to diagnose it when ethylene glycol was the standard coolant. I dunno about dexcool.

I had a 99 truck that would get low on coolant all the time. Worried like you. I didn't do anything about it for a couple years and finally sold it cheap to a friend. He found a hairline crack in one of the plastic end tanks of the radiator. Not enough coolant escaped to hit the ground, but it would get low over time.

[JamesMyBoy]

I'd replace the radiator cap also. I had a bad one that would let vapor escape, but didn't leak bad enough to show liquid leaking. Just an idea...

[Russell James]

Have you pressure tested the cooling system? Or keep guessing at which parts to change.

[Reichler]

Originally Posted by Abelardoo_12

I have a 2011 that does the exact same thing. I've gotten used to refilling it whenever it needs it but the radiator is always full. I've been driving like that for a while now with no problem, I just dont let the reservoir get completely empty.

That's not normal at all and means you're leaking coolant somewhere (internal or external).

As another person noted, you should rarely have to top off a coolant system.

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by Reichler

That's not normal at all and means you're leaking coolant somewhere (internal or external).

As another person noted, you should rarely have to top off a coolant system.

Internal leaks often result in coolant getting into the oil. Remove the oil fill cap and look for light brown paste or foam on the inside of the cap.