low anti-freeze....Hmm??

[stunod]

Hi,<br /><br />I can't bet my life on it but I thought I had more anti-freeze in my tank than i saw today.<br />I have a 470 merc fresh water cooled engine.<br />Before I started the boat, I looked in the cap and put my pointer finger all the way in...barely touching it. When I started the boat for 1 min, the level went up 3 inches.<br /><br />QUESTION: If in fact that I lost some anti freeze...What should I look for to confirm this.<br /><br />There is no signs of fluid on the block or in the bilige. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Lou

 

[DJ]

Re: low anti-freeze....Hmm??

Stunod,<br /><br />Anti freeze does expand as it warms. The most likely possibility for a leak is the heat exchanger.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: low anti-freeze....Hmm??

Stunod, most common leak point on these motors is the resivoir [the part with the radiator cap] to manifold gasket..a leak will cause antifreeze to leak into the exhaust manifold and out the exhaust, never to be seen....the bad ones had an iron resivoir and an aluminum manifold....

 

[stunod]

Re: low anti-freeze....Hmm??

ODDD1,<br />Is there a way to confirm it's leaking into the Manifold? I just checked the prices for a 470 mecr....650.00 ! so I want to be 100% sure.<br />Thanks,<br />Lou