Issue on Sidewinder... need some help or ideas.

[MrSled]

Dang, makes me wonder if it's that cracked head syndrome like a few have had where the anti-freeze is getting into oil. ???

Oil level is good.. thats why I am at a loss and wondering what to do.. I want him to keep driving it.

 

[72Gran]

Not sure maybe pressure test just the turbo it must have an in and out coolant line. Maybe after 70 miles the crack expands. I’m also thinking the coolant tank will only pull coolant into the system under certain conditions just like a car. I know when I work on some vehicles it typically takes a few miles and a couple of heat cycles to get the tank level correct. So maybe it’s loosing coolant continuously but only empties the tank once the level in the system gets low enough, like 70 miles.

 

[72Gran]

The only way for the coolant tank to empty while running is if the system is under vacuum. Typically the tank will only empty when you shut off the sled and everything cools down creating a vacuum. So I guess that it takes 70 miles to loose enough coolant from the system to finally have a vacuum. I think the only way is pressure test entire system then if the test fails try to determine what is leaking by pressure testing components as best as possible.

 

[MrSled]

The only way for the coolant tank to empty while running is if the system is under vacuum. Typically the tank will only empty when you shut off the sled and everything cools down creating a vacuum. So I guess that it takes 70 miles to loose enough coolant from the system to finally have a vacuum. I think the only way is pressure test entire system then if the test fails try to determine what is leaking by pressure testing components as best as possible.

Thats my next step!!

 

[TPAY243]

Sounds like a mystery to me I hope you get it figured out.

 

[cannondale27]

Sounds like a mystery to me I hope you get it figured out.

He will! Stay positive

 

[kinger]

That is a magical mark for my lemon SW, 70 miles but mine over heats to let me know. When I look at oil its clean, add more coolant, 70ish miles overheat, check oil...oh boy its milky.

 

[MrSled]

That is a magical mark for my lemon SW, 70 miles but mine over heats to let me know. When I look at oil its clean, add more coolant, 70ish miles overheat, check oil...oh boy its milky.

Problem is.. it runs like a champ and has no milky oil. I wish it would over heat, then I know what direction to take.

 

[kinger]

So if he just keeps running it, no adding coolant, it will eventually get hot?

 

[MrSled]

So if he just keeps running it, no adding coolant, it will eventually get hot?

well no #*$&@...LOL

 

[twiz28]

Years ago I had an 05 RX-1 that did this, couldn't keep coolant in the bottle, fill to line next day gone, fill to line next day gone. Searched for a leak could never find one, sled never over heated once. Gave up trying to fill it, never had issue. Sold sled next owner never had issue, same with guy he sold it to.

 

[kinger]

Well then its burning it up in then under boost only. Head, or head gasket. The ONLY thing that may be worth a try would be UV dye in the coolant, run the 70 miles and then check under the sled all over with a UV light and see if you can see any leaks. Also pull some oil and see if glows at all too.

 

[MrSled]

So if he just keeps running it, no adding coolant, it will eventually get hot?

are you thinking maybe there is something with the bottle siphon that we should let it go and see if it does not get hot? I thought you were messing with me.

 

[kinger]

Years ago I had an 05 RX-1 that did this, couldn't keep coolant in the bottle, fill to line next day gone, fill to line next day gone. Searched for a leak could never find one, sled never over heated once. Gave up trying to fill it, never had issue. Sold sled next owner never had issue, same with guy he sold it to.

Same thing on my Apex! My coolant jug was always dry! Ulmer or one of the other builders said they will expand out and to just leave it alone, and just like you never a issue or ever get hot.

 

[MrSled]

Well then its burning it up in then under boost only. Head, or head gasket. The ONLY thing that may be worth a try would be UV dye in the coolant, run the 70 miles and then check under the sled all over with a UV light and see if you can see any leaks. Also pull some oil and see if glows at all too.

I get that but it would over heat from boost, it would not run right, it would start hard... it doesnt do any of that.