Low Coolant Issue

[RAYCUDA]

I am losing coolant on a 2003 Sebring convt. There are no apparent leaks, no smoke or steam from the tailpipe, no water in the oil. What else can I look for?

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[dcotter0579]

If you have the 2.7L engine, the coolant outlet manifold is a prime suspect. There's lots of discussion about that in the Sebring forum. Browse around a bit.

[RAYCUDA]

That was replaced not too long ago. It is still dry.

[dcotter0579]

No "apparent" leaks doesn't mean there are no leaks. There must be a leak somewhere. If it's not in a place you can see, it must be in a place you can't see. Could be somewhere in the radiator, heater core, pump, cylinder block or hoses. Start with a pressure check. You may need to start disassembling things to get a better view. Alternatively, try one of those "stop leak" additives. Alternatively, keep pouring in anti-freeze until the leak gets bad enough to spot.

[RAYCUDA]

I have been adding antifreeze every week for about 3 weeks, still no visible leak. Am going to get a pressure test this weekend. Are those stop leaks safe or do they gum up everything?

[dcotter0579]

Can't say I've ever had much luck with them. Maybe some others will share their experiences.

Have you tried putting a clean cardboard under the car to see if any drips might register?

Most likely time to leak is right after turning off the engine. The heat tends to build up for a few minutes before the cool-down starts.

Do you smell antifreeze between the times you add it?

[CHRYSLER TECH]

dont put stop leak in that 2.7 engine unless U just want to get a new engine.

[KhryslerKid]

You can use the UV dye that is commonly put in AC systems to find leaks. Then just look under the car with a black light and find where the UV dye glows. I've heard this works but have never done it myself. There could be a hairline crack in the block.