Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

so i had a small coolant leak, found that but its raised another question for me. im not the most mechanical guy but im learning. in regards to the expansion tank. while having my coolant issue i would top the expansion tank up, as the engine heated up the coolant expand and goes out the overflow tube. i would end ky drive, engine still hot look in the tank and it would be full. the van would sit at my work all day and when i would come out the tank would be empty, due to the coolant contracting and the tank draining back into the system. my question is should i have a full expansion tank all the time or only when the engine is hot?

Hey Stugots1982, I can tell you my expansion tank stays at the full line hot or cold. If I were to check it and found it empty i'd be slightly worried.

just my 2.5 cents worth..

yea thays what i figured, im hoping the large changes were due to the sizable leak i was having now that its fixed hopefully its back to normal

where was the leak? was it in the exp tank? How'd you fix it? Sorry for all the questions..

Morgonzo's correct: when hot the tank should be full, when cold it should be no lower than the "cold" marking on the sloping side of the tank.

If it continues to completely empty when cold (and it's not leaking), try replacing your radiator cap.