Why is my truck using so much coolant?

Question

My truck eats coolant. It has a multitude of problems however while many point to head gasket, others don t. It s not leaking any coolant.
On startup it emits a pretty good amount of white smoke, though I haven t watched it long enough to determine if its continuous or just when it starts.
I don t have much power past 2nd gear, however it s a stock 4 cylinder lifted on 33s which may be why.
Had it running hot last night and put more water and oil in it and it was fine after.
Oil loss seems mostly due to a leaky gasket, oil itself is still a light color as I just changed it a couple hundred miles ago. No milky substance in radiator or oil tank.
Other than that I can t think of anything. Just trying to figure out what s wrong and hoping it s not a block or head issue.
Thank you cx

Answer 1

Head gasket seems likely. Normally an engine with a blown head gasket won't leak coolant extenally instead, the coolant gets introduced into the combustion chamber and is vaporized into white, sweet-smelling smoke which is discharged through the exhaust. Basically exactly what you're seeing.



"I don t have much power past 2nd gear, however it s a stock 4 cylinder lifted on 33s which may be why. "



Did you regear it?

Answer 2

If there is no leak then the only way for the coolant to leave is through the exhaust due to a blown head gasket. I admire your optimism but you need to face that simple fact.

Answer 3

If you're just putting straight water in the cooling system you'll be needing a water pump, radiator and heater core next! You must use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system at all times. Go have a block test done to verify if the head gaskets are bad.

Answer 4

Head gasket leaking.

Answer 5

HI so change the radiator cap as it could be leaking away.