Coolant reservoir slowly emptying, engine area smells like coolant

[hypophthalmus]

The coolant reservoir is slowly getting lower. The engine area smells a tiny bit like coolant to me. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I should check out? There aren't any leaks I can see, and it's running cool.

I replaced the coolant a while back because the reservoir was low when I bought it, but I think it should have long since settled down by now.

[Vivo]

Do you have white smoke out the pipe?

[hypophthalmus]

No.

[TLRam1]

Yes if it is getting lower it is cause for concern. If the coolant is going into the cylinder you can pull the plug, if it looks really clean you have coolant going onto the cylinder, have you checked your oil level, has it risen?

[Vivo]

Get some oil sample and place on a piece of paper... light with fire and listen.... If you hear a crackling sound... there's water/coolant mixed with the oil...

[hypophthalmus]

I'm not sure if the oil level is higher, but it does look a bit like milky coffee to me. Does that probably mean I need to replace the head gasket?

[hypophthalmus]

On second examination, I'm less sure about the color. It mostly looks like normal used oil color to me.

[MaryK]

In winter, the oil gets milky due to moisture condensing into the oil.  So don't get too far into repair yet.
The milky oil usually clears up if the engine is operated for 30 minutes at 30 MPH.
Also, if coolant is getting into the engine, then the exhaust smoke will be white.

SO, first look for an external leak.  If you can get a black light (UV) you could add some fluorescent dye to the coolant
and search using the black light.  That is what garages do.

If the leak is major then that is a different problem.

scoot safely,

[Stig / Major Tom]

I agree with MaryK, I know squat about mechanics, but I know this----
The thermostat on my VW Jetta failed in the open position - this plus short drives to work in the Ohio winter caused a very coffee with cream color to the oil. A lot of condensed moisture building up in the engine , and thus the oil.
A couple of dumb mechanics quickly diagnosed: "blown head gaskets! That's coolant in there!"
I replaced the thermostat, changed the oil ....the new thermostat allowed the engine to reach hot operating temps - hence no more moisture build up inside the engine (and oil).
Car ran fine for years afterwards.
Short winter rides on an aircooled scooter is one reason why I keep my oil changed at least twice as often as summer riding. Getting that moisture out.
I hope you find a hose or connection leaking......because it sounds like the coolant is going somewhere. Topping the level - and it still goes down?
Good luck, Stig

[hypophthalmus]

Sounds like good advice, plus I could feel like a forensic detective.

I haven't bothered topping the level since it's hasn't gotten significantly close to empty. After about 5 month, it's nearing halfway down.