Antifreeze leak

[TIMBA27]

Hi guys on this forum,this is my 1 post here..i have a 2008 SD 215 with stage 1 plus SC impeller,oil catch can,riva waterbox,SC blow of kit,heavy duty cluth washers...the engine have 38 hr,i got it brand new from a dealer in miami,always has been take care and service as well...my problem here is the ski have antifreeze leak and don't know were is it...even the "MECHANIC" in the dealer in miami..they did pressure test and all thing you guys can inmagine and nothing found,the ski run very good...73 mph 8300 rpm...but after 2 or 3 hr running the antifreeze is gone,that's been happened the 3 or 4 times i was in the water,i been look in every places on the machine but nothing found...if any one can help me it will very appreciate or any one with the same problem...thanks

[monaroman76]

It could possibly be your headgasket.. To diagnose this, take your ski for a few WOT runs with the seat off and the overflow tube directed into the footwell. If your HG is blown your cooling system will become pressurized and blow the coolant out the overflow.
I wouldn't think this was likely at that low of hours, but if a pressure test didn't detect a leak, it's quite possible. My HG gave out before 100 hours.

[alex_baker202]

Mine was doing the same thing. I would guess you do not have the screw type hose clamps where the coolant runs into your ride plate and back out. I took mine to
The dealer 4 times before I finally figured it out after reading online. Id also check that the plastic that is glued into the hull where the hose attaches is also not broke.

[TIMBA27]

well today i screw all the hoses from the thermostat to the ride plate,some was a little weak i noticed...tomorrow i will go to the lake to see what happen...took mine to the dealer more than 3 times i was all last summer with the ski in the dealer...4 months...BTW thanks for reply guys

[TIMBA27]

In case the issue is the headgasket how much will cost?

[TIMBA27]

I forgot to tell the mechanic looked for water in the engine oil and nothing found so he said is not the headgasket...

[Craigo]

I forgot to tell the mechanic looked for water in the engine oil and nothing found so he said is not the headgasket...

Don't believe what shop mechanics tell you! IMO they are a bunch of idiots! Do a search for "leaking head gasket" here in the 4tec performance section read ALL of the posts - and you'll discover that your "mechanic" doesn't know shit.

[monaroman76]

Don't believe what shop mechanics tell you! IMO they are a bunch of idiots! Do a search for "leaking head gasket" here in the 4tec performance section read ALL of the posts - and you'll discover that your "mechanic" doesn't know shit.

+1, typically the HG blows out between the cylinder and the water jacket. Meaning there would not be coolant in your oil. Be sure to do the test I advised and you will know for sure. I went for about 3 WOT runs before any coolant puked out the overflow, and the HG was the cause. This may not be your problem, but elimiating it will get you one step closer to finding the cause. also When you put your ski back on the trailer, leave it running and have a good look around the ride plate for a leak.

If your HG is blown, the OEM gasket will cost you about $80. Head bolts are around $70. I don't know the cost of the labour as I did it myself.
Good luck, post back with your findings.

[Ocman]

+1, typically the HG blows out between the cylinder and the water jacket. Meaning there would not be coolant in your oil. Be sure to do the test I advised and you will know for sure. I went for about 3 WOT runs before any coolant puked out the overflow, and the HG was the cause. This may not be your problem, but elimiating it will get you one step closer to finding the cause. also When you put your ski back on the trailer, leave it running and have a good look around the ride plate for a leak.

If your HG is blown, the OEM gasket will cost you about $80. Head bolts are around $70. I don't know the cost of the labour as I did it myself.
Good luck, post back with your findings.

+2 if your mechanic told you that he has limited knowledge of 4Tec engines. They typically only express failure signs at WOT and pressure forces the coolant out the overflow. Your oil will look fine. Its easy to diagnose as monarmon said. Just watch the overflow at WOT. Have you had any hi temp alarms yet? If so be careful not to warp your head.

[meeper]

it also could be leaking ride plate bolts, is there coolant in the engine bay?