I have been having this problem for a while and its starting to get worse. after driving the car i notice a puddle of coolant on the ground. After a few hundred miles the radiator is down halfway. I have heard that when coolant comes out of the overflow like this, it is usually a bad head gasket. Can anyone tell me what else might cause this problem?

 

What model, engine? What is the operating temp? I'd try replacing the radiator cap first.

 

Its a 69 cutlass with a 403 and 4 row radiator. Operating temp is steady at 180 and has never overheated. No white smoke or smell of coolant in exhaust. No signs of coolant in oil either. Can a bad cap really cause this much coolant loss?

 

Yes, a bad cap will cause your issue. You can also install an overflow tank and new cap to allow coolant to go in and out as needed like a later model car.

 

^^^^^ x2 ^^^^^

 

Thanks for the replies. I will try a new cap and overflow tank. Hope that solves the problem.