Odd Coolant Issue

[Nicholas D]

Thank you for the replies. It looks to me like at least the radiator and water pump had recently been replaced. I haven't checked the thermostat yet. I'm hoping to do the pressure test this weekend. While I obviously hope this isn't a fatal problem, I didn't pay much for it and it is slated to be my son's first vehicle next year. I bought it knowing it would need some work but honestly, I come from the aircooled world (old vw's) so the cooling system is new to me. I've included a few pics as that always seems helpful. I'm suspecting the third pic is a pretty major problem? Only including it because I'm wondering if I should even be concerned with the cooling system with this other issue going on, if that makes sense. Anyway, happy Saturday!

 

[19Walt93]

The 3rd picture shows a valve cover gasket leak, not uncommon and not major at all. If the thermostat sticks closed it would cause overheating and coolant would spew out the overflow hose- you'd certainly see it.

 

[Nicholas D]

Just wanted to follow up on this. I figured the cheapest, first thing to do would be to add coolant system and block sealer and I'm happy to report that, so far, it's working great. I know this is only a temporary fix at best, and I've only driven about 100 miles since I've added, but so far the coolant level in both my radiator and reservoir has stayed at exactly the same level. I'm going to watch the level closely and see how far I can get before it starts leaking again. I figure at that point I'll take a more appropriate, in depth look with everyone's suggestions. Thanks again!