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It over heats just sometimes and when it does I check the coolant and it is shy over a gallon.


I'm not surprized it overheats. The total cooling system capacity is just over 2 gallons. 1 gallon low is half what it should be.

There's obviously a leak somewhere. One classic leak spot is the heater core. But I would think that you'd notice a wet area on the carpet either to the left or right of the center console. Or a constant coolant smell in the passenger compartment.

Have the cooling system professionally pressure tested. Have it done both on a cold engine (sitting overnight) as well as a hot engine. The leak should reveal itself.

1998 Sportage - Gone.
2004 Honda Civic Coupe.
2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - She got it.