2005 MkII 35B Universal...just prior to Spring launch noticed coolant reservoir in port settee was totally empty. I know this was left at the recommended level when hauled in the Fall. No leaks evident as there is no coolant in bilge or in engine compartment oil pan. Have also checked oil dipstick and no evidence of coolant there. Any ideas?
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Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
How does the hot water look/taste ??
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
As it is so early in the season haven't filled tanks/hot water heater. Is it your thought expansion tank coolant is in hot water tank? Just an FYI and may not be useful but always install a hot water heater bypass when winterizing. Water from hot water tank emptied and use air pump to make sure no residual water remains.
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
We had a slow coolant leak that drove me crazy.
Try patting a dry paper towel at every hose connection. It might be more effective after you run the engine. Ultimately, our slow leak was located at the hose connection on the exhaust manifold reservoir. There was a small burr in the hose nipple. (The nipple is part of the manifold casting and wasn't totally deburred when it was manufactured). I had to sand paper/grind it with a dremmel to remove. This burr prevented the hose from making a good seal regardless of how tight the hose clamp was. A search of the C36IA archives indicated that others had seen the same manifold burr issue.
You can lose antifreeze in many places, but I would check that spot to confirm.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
The "usual" suspect for the coolant reservoir being low or empty is loose hose clamps. EVERY year, you should take a socket set and a large flat blade screwdriver to every clamp in the cooling system. This should fix your problem. (Please report back if yes or no.)
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
I had that same problem - disappearing coolant and having to fill reservoir periodically.
It took almost a year - then I located the leak. It was the hose next to the radiator cap. It was impossible to find the leaks since the hot engine would evaporate the liquid. Placing a paper towel is the best way to confirm the source.
I have since replaced all the coolant hoses and filled with fresh antifreeze and distilled water. And yes - I learned how to burp the trapped air.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
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