Coolant magically missing. Can't find a leak

Motojoe

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I have had to add coolant to my tank 3 times. I don't have any leaks but I did find some moisture near the thermostat elbow going into the manifold. But no accumulation anywhere. I checked the heater core and my carpet is dry. I don't seem to be burning coolant. No white smoke. I don't think there is any in my oil. Where could it be going. The tank doesn't empty but got about halfway low. For the amount missing it has to be going somewhere. No puddles on the floor. Wtf. Where else can I look.
 

snoball

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could be seeping out side of radiator tanks when hot then resealing when cold?
 
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Motojoe

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Well I got a good look at things with a flash light and I do have a little bit of coolant in the valley. It seems to be coming from the elbow where the thermostat is. It's either the gasket (I'm never that lucky) or the plastic manifold cracked. My buddy has a pressure tester so I'll find out with in the next few days. If it is I'll be doing the 99+ pi manifold. I'm just worried the passage you have to seal up will leak over time.
 

96blak54

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^ yup. The intakes literally have a life span. Im seeing alot of truck intakes giving up as well. Even though the crossover pipe is aluminum, plastic is sandwiched between it and the head.
 

Ferocious

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The plastic crossover cracked?


You-dont-say.jpeg




A new manifold should be included with every purchase of a 96-98 Gt.
 
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Motojoe

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So it's the manifold. It's leaking a lot worse now. I know this is a forum for performance guys like me, but is the pi manifold swap really worth it. I feel like I can just throw a stock one on and call it a day as opposed to knocking out the plug for the water pump, changing lines, running the risk of the rvt not making a good seal, modifying gaskets, taping threads for a temp sensor, etc. I know there is an improvement but it won't be a totally different car, just a little more responsive in the higher rpm's. What's your opinion guys. This is my knock around car and I know it will never be cobra fast. Just fun to drive.
 
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Motojoe

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American muscle has it with aluminum cross over. 98-98 219 bucks with gaskets
 

Ferocious

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A PI one on rock auto is about $137.

There's plenty of good writeups on how to do the swap and there's honestly not that much more involved in swapping to a PI. I got all the parts for my swap for under $200.
However, if you feel more comfortable just swapping to the same one to save yourself the headache, then by all means do that.
 

DropTopPony

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Motojoe

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Thanks for the help guys. One more question. I rented the tool to pressure test the system just to. Make sure before I order anything. The tool does not work with the threaded radiator cap. It's for the regular style. Do they make an adapter to thread in there so I can use the pressure tester
 

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