Car been sitting a few years.Low coolant warning?

[Chaoticbastard]

Im not sure what I am up against I am picking up this mark for a bud of mine.It has been sitting in a garage,Occasionally started but more or less parked for the past 3 years.I contacted the guy and he said its running great and the temp is cool.He said the only thing is he was going to top off the coolant because the warning light came on.I have to drive this 180 miles tommorrow morn.Im hoping I dont have any problems.If it happens it happens just wondering if you guys think just from sitting it if the coolant could have gotten a little low.he claims there isnt any antifreeze smell or leaks.I am going to inspect it further before I try to drive it home.

 

[67Continental]

warning light, or message center warning?

if it has been sitting, the head gasket could have dried out or rotted?

 

[Chaoticbastard]

Message center warning...he claims the oil is clean and it stays running cool.I am just gonna have to go through it good.

 

[67Continental]

i get the message center warning when i park on a hill, or when it's really really cold - like minus 20. I wouldn't worry too much, my coolant level is also fine.

 

[John Hubertz]

Can't be a "dried out" head gasket - those are made of compressible metal.

Likelier a sensor sticking a bit - or the thermostat could have stuck for a few extra minutes and the excess heat in the engine boiled some coolant out.

Use a good water pump lubricant when you add more fluid - those seals can go dry and it will also serve to lubricate the thermostat mechanism. Also, if the system has gone down quite a bit you may need to bleed it - I haven't checked the procedure yet but it can't be too difficult.

 

[Chaoticbastard]

Well I drove the 180 miles for a "Friend" that I owed a favor.What a POS..Rack was bad,Coolant was spewing from the block,Rockers were rusted.155K not 100K.Dude totally lied to my friend.I kindly told the guy what a POS he and his car are and we left without it..Thankfully.