Losing anti freeze , overheating

paparux

2004 342 fiesta vee. I’m constantly adding antifreeze. I don’t see any visible signs of leaking. An hour trip I lose about a quart. Longer runs cause overheating. I don’t smell it burning or any smell at all. All help greatly appreciated.

aero3113

It’s mostly likely your heat exchanger and it’s leaking, antifreeze is going overboard with the raw water. A head gasket could be the culprit also but you would probably smell it then.

PickleRick

Many local auto parts stores will rent you a pressure test kit for a radiator.  Pressurize it to the psi on the cap and wait.  I think it's 13 or 15 psi. 

Liberty44140

Good point Rick. I've done this before from Auto Zone, was free for 48 hrs and had multiple caps to find the right fit. 

paparux

@aero3113, I believe your correct, what is the best way to test for that? I don’t smell it burn and nothing shows up in oil or bilge pump area. Is there away to check the heat exchanger?

aero3113

Yes, you can pressure check them but would have to be done off the engine. You can check the head gasket with a simple compression check (but sounds like it’s you heat exchanger).