Seems like you've all had a water leak at some point!

 

I just signed up to the forum today so firstly hello to everyone! And here's my first problem I could do with some advice with.

 

Just bought a '90 TT and was driving home and pulled into a garage to get some petrol. Which was quite lucky really as when I stopped I noticed alot of steam coming from the engine. temp read ok though.

 

The engine was also idleing very unevenly up and down between 500rpm and 1500rpm. Parked up and had a look under the bonnet. I was greeted by a plume of steam coming from the back of the engine bay. when I checked the water it was basically empty!

 

I left it to cool and then topped her up. The car ran fine again and idled smoothly. I had the tapping which I believe is from overheating the oil etc. And I think the gauge read ok cos the little water I had in there was getting pumped round while i was moving.. but when I stopped it got hot very quick!

 

Anyway the leak seems to be at the back of the engine bay by the battery on the passenger side. I cant quite pin point it though. Im just crossing my fingers and hoping its not expensive! There also seems to be deposits from the additive in the cooling water left on the engine so it looks like its under a bit of pressure because its everywhere. Thing is Im not losing water all the time it seems to be intermittent! I hope you can help me out!

 

Im going to drive her for the week with a bottle in the back just in case but I went to bromsgrove and back today - about 26 mile and the dipstick in coolant is still reading full. Here's hoping its a loose pipe or split hose...

You should find stuff on a search on this - the water feed hose to the turbo on the battery side is the probably. Its about 4" long and 8 or 10mm dia. Its a pure bitch to change as there is no room up there.

 

They are all breaking about now.

I've add leaks all over mine since i bought it 18 months ago...but now fingers crossed they seem to have stopped..

 

I have also had a leak/leaks at the rear of the engine...

 

I had a similar leak to yours which was hard to find at the rear of the engine bay...the temp gauge didnt move to let me know that the car was overheating..and the engine started to rattle ( sounded a bit like having marbles in a tin can and shaking them ) this was preignition caused by the over heating...

 

Anyway after weeks of pissin arround trying to locate the leak, i found a split in one of the heater matrix hoses to the rear of the engine bay..Anyway cut out the old hose, fitted a new and no probs since...

 

P.S suggest you get an after market temp gauge, i think that the satndard one on 300zx dash is glued in one position..

Thanks guys!

 

I have arranged with Paul from Southwestzeds for him to come get her and do the job. plus a cambelt change, service and checkup.

They have been really helpfull - Highly recommended!

 

Also while on the thank yous, thanks alot to T-pot also v much appreciated!

no prob mate, hope all is well

heh and me!

 

Just so you can all share a little more of my pain - this morning went out to the car only to find a flat tyre! Man if it keeps coming like this I will be broke soon!!!

 

I do love the car though... ...well when I get to drive it that is!

Broke and Zeds go together fella :( go see ya bank manager....;)

Hope you get it all sorted.....:D