Coolant Leak

[Erni902]

I first noticed yesterday morning on the drive into work, my temp needle shot straight up to the red whenever I took the revs up to around 2500. Once I was in work I noticed that the coolant level was extremely low!

I left it til lunch, when I topped up the header tank and took for a quick spin around camp. After a few minutes I parked back up and let her cool and checked the level. It was fine!

I then chacked before the drive home and all was well. I forgot to check after I parked up at home last nite. However this morning I noticed the header tank was empty! I filled her up and went on my way to work. I managed to keep the revs below 2500 and the temp gauge seemed normal! After reaching work and parking up i left her too stand until lunch. At this point I checked and the header tank was empty again!.

I can see no obvious signs of where the leak could be coming from as the fluid is leaking onto the undertray which is collecting it then spilling it over the edges.

Anybody had this happen before or have any idea what could be wrong? As its collecting on the undertray am I right to believe its coming from the front of the engine?

Any help will be much appreciated.

[Humpty's Revenge]

Just a thought but pull the carpet back on both sides on the inside by the transmission tunnel under the dash & see if your floor/carpets wet?

[Erni902]

Just did this and it is bone dry under there

[Humpty's Revenge]

Check the pipe from the radiator to the expansion tank for any blockages, take it of the rad & blow down the pipe to see if there's any air flowing through?

[Erni902]

will do, gimme a few mins

[Erni902]

When i parked up at home i checked and the level was full. Ive just checked now and the tank is completely empty! No blockage from rad to expansion

[Humpty's Revenge]

Check your oil cap & dip stick for white sludge.

[Erni902]

Did this earlier and thankfully its all fine

[Humpty's Revenge]

And there is absolutely no signs of water under the car? Even if the under tray is there the amount of water that holds should at least show.

[Erni902]

Theres absolutely no water under the car and since this new tank full has leaked the undertray has not caught it!

[Humpty's Revenge]

A thirsty ghost maybe??

I really don't know what else to suggest TBH? If it's not dripping down somewhere then logically it has to be evaporating from a leek somewhere possibly? I would say possibly from the top as it isn't dripping

[Erni902]

Now this is very confusing! Earlier and yesterday it was dripping onto the undertray! But now there is absolutely NO sign of water anywhere! god knows!!

[Humpty's Revenge]

A suggestion, take the under tray of refill the expansion tank, take for a drive, jack up car, put axle stands under & lye there & watch for drips?

[Wobble]

also check the radiator hasn't got a hair line crack in the plastic bit just below cap (very common place to crack ) the crack would expand and leak with heat and pressure but maybe you will not see without a very close look and putting a bit of pressure on the plastic with your hand.

just a thought.

[Erni902]

Unfortunately my axle stands are 150 miles away lol. I have just refilled and will see what happens in 30 minutes to the fluid. Then head out for a quick spin.

Cheers for all your help Steve

[Wobble]

link here of mine when it went and picture of where it usally is http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthr...light=radiator

[Humpty's Revenge]

also check the radiator hasn't got a hair line crack in the plastic bit just below cap (very common place to crack ) the crack would expand and leak with heat and pressure but maybe you will not see without a very close look and putting a bit of pressure on the plastic with your hand.

just a thought.

Yep good one Dave forgot about that little gem!

Unfortunately my axle stands are 150 miles away lol. I have just refilled and will see what happens in 30 minutes to the fluid. Then head out for a quick spin.

Cheers for all your help Steve

No worries mate any time, sorry I ran out of ideas but try Dave's theory?

[Beastlee]

I know it's difficult but if you're loosing coolant like that I wouldn't be driving it at all. If the head gasket isn't damaged already it quite easily could be.

[bakerboy-2007]

Sorry to hear this pal


The rad was a new one 2 yrs ago ,

Check the end of the pipe that goes into the engine under the air box that is where I found my leak ! If the engine isn't hot it drips a little but if engine is hot it evaporates , look for orange or green sludge marks on the joints is the give away !

Good luck

[peter thomson]

I had a similar symptom when the water pump failed.