2000 V70 AWD 56 engine slow coolant leak

[volvolugnut]

I would cross the country with that “ leak” , let alone a brief saunter down Route 5

now the coolant was one inch higher in reservoir that when cold after warming up on a trip to town.

Block tester fluid remains blue but I can see there is new volume added to the coolant space .

freaky looks very bad
[/quote]

I can't help myself adding explanation - the coolant expands when heated (and coolant expansion is greater than water only). This is why we have coolant expansion tanks.
volvolugnut

[Chuck W]

Yeah, I was going to note that too. Having it rise when warm/hot is normal.

Is the system holding pressure, long after shutdown? Quick test in the morning before the first start, open the reservoir cap and see if it vents any pressure. It shouldn't have any if the system is fully cold.

How long are you letting the car run with the block tester in place?

[Rocket99]

How long are you letting the car run with the block tester in place?

5 min maybe, however the deed was already done ie engine had run for 40 min up a big hill so coolant was flowing and should have induced color change right away IF any combusion gasses were present.

Yes?

[Chuck W]

Maybe, unless it was a very small leak. You also might've vented most of it when you opened the reservoir after that run and things were hot. If it was already most up to temp, it shouldn't have taken too long.

Is the system holding pressure over-night? (Asked a couple of times and don't think you've said yes or no.)

[kallekula]

https://www.harborfreight.com/radiator- ... gK8QfD_BwE