What should be done if an engine is losing coolant but shows no external leaks?

If an engine is losing coolant without any visible external leaks, running the engine to check for white smoke is a crucial diagnostic step. White smoke could indicate that coolant is entering the combustion chamber, likely due to a blown head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a damaged cylinder head. This condition often leads to noticeable white smoke from the exhaust as the coolant vaporizes.

In addition, verifying whether the engine has a catalytic converter is significant in this context. If the engine is losing coolant and emits white smoke, the catalytic converter can become contaminated, potentially leading to further engine issues or damage. Knowing if a catalytic converter is present helps technicians to understand the potential ramifications of coolant entering the exhaust system.

This combined approach of checking for white smoke and considering the presence of a catalytic converter provides a comprehensive assessment of the engine's condition and helps guide further troubleshooting to identify and resolve the underlying issue more effectively.