S185 coolant leak

[jloven14]

I have an older s185 that has been leaking coolant for several months now. I've changed the water pump housing, gasket, and thermostat back in March but didn't help. I checked the heater and hoses last night but they are dry. I put a gallon in 2 days ago and have not run it at all and there is a puddle under it about 6" diameter. Also checked the big hose and tube behind engine and hose from radiator to coolant tank. Everything seems dry but there is definitely coolant in the bottom of the left side of the machine if you lift up the cab. Any ideas where it could be leaking?

 

[brdgbldr]

There is a chance that your head gasket could be leaking coolant.

You could try and stuff rags or put in plastic above the engine to see if you can determine if the coolant is coming from above the engine or not.

Also, if you remove the coolant tank cap the leak may be more obvious since removing the cap will eliminate any suction.

 

[RBuhr]

I have a 2003 S185 bobcat skid steer and just put a new radiator in it now it's air locked and coolant will not circulate

 

[foton]

do you know if the thermostat has a wedge or a hole in it , might want to put a 1/16 inch hole in it if it does not have one,to let the air pass thru it. or just replace it with one that does ,remenber to get a new gasket.

 

[RBuhr]

I will give it a try thank you

 

[thwerench]

In the automotive world there's a vacuum kit that we use for certain applications. It pulls a vacuum to the cooling system then draws coolant from a pail and fills the system completely
Works well. Simple cheap kit

 

[dfb]

In the automotive world there's a vacuum kit that we use for certain applications. It pulls a vacuum to the cooling system then draws coolant from a pail and fills the system completely
Works well. Simple cheap kit

Pulling a vacuum to fill a cooling system works great for systems that are tough to "burp", I use a kit made by Airlift and it works everytime. A word of caution using it though, I only use it with new water pumps. In my experience, many older pumps have come back leaking soon after pulling a vacuum in the system. My guess is the seal may not tolerate negative pressure after being in service.
If it is possible to crack some hoses/thermostat housing bolts loose to purge the air. I would start there.