Coolant loss.......

 

This carries on my radiator cap Q but goes in a different difection.

 

OK - if we say that the problem isnt the radiator cap then we must assume I have a leak somewhere that only happens under pressure. Which might explain why the old cap doesnt lose the coolant as its a bit worn out and is preventing pressure build up - The new one may be making the leak more active as its allowing the system to buld up more pressure inside - Also causing it to lose more water.....

 

How then can I check to see where the leak is as it doesnt seem visible while the car is running?

 

Does a pressure test do the trick and if so where can you get these done?

 

Cheers.

A pressure test on the radiator will create the pressure which occurs when the engine is warm. You will then have to look and see where it is coming from.

 

Stuart

Unless of course the leak is on the engine side of the thermostat., in which case it will only happen if the engine is warm also.

 

If you have been leaking coolant, even if there is no mysterious damp patches, there should be some sign: a build up of deposits, usually looks like brown limescale. Where the water (hot and underpressure) escapes and evapourates immediately it will leave behind anything that is in solution, be it rust or coolant or whatever. Have a good look at the hoses and see if any of them have this, a good sign that you are leaking from there.

 

HTH

I think the two stubby coolant pipes at the front of the engine are showing signs of white deposit around them - I think it might be time to change them and the upper and lower hoses at the same time and see how that goes.

 

Can the two stubby hoses be changed without having to take the assembly off? Although it might be worth doing the thermostat at the same time and then its done with.

I had a water leak last month, turned out to be those stubby feckers on the front of the engine.

 

Tell tale signs were coolant stains splashed over the top half of cam-belt cover. Also had the water pump changed while at it, as I didn't have it done with the cam-belt.

 

Richard:)

I think its time to change the front coolant pipes - Does anyone have prices of the two stubby pipes, the upper and lower pipes and the thermostat? Stock pipes etc will do fine - not bothered about uprated pipes unless the cost is similar.

 

Ta.

Hi Bilky

 

Stock pipes are only about a tenner, thermostat about £15-ish if I remember

 

Richard:)