losing coolant

ExpatScot

Just noticed (over last few days) that am losing coolant.... at varying rates.

Had to cover 90 miles yesterday - and despite topping up before I left, the header tank was almost empty after reaching destination. On the return leg of same trip (after refilling coolant) it was only down about a fingers width or two. With the damp/wet ground not been able to tell if it is a constant leak or if only happens when system is running...

So my early afternoon on this shitty day is going to consist of trolley jack, axle stands and poking about underneath. Deep joy. 🙁

ExpatScot

Well it doesnt seem to have gone down overnight - so am assuming, so far, that the loss is occurring when the system is running.

Time will tell. :problem:

JohnnyN

Have you replaced your spark plugs recently? Plugs 1 & 4 are dangerously close to the water ways in the z22se head. The threads give way and water fills the plug ports.

Check by removing the coil pack and shining a torch into the plug ports to check for water.

Has your oil gone white? Mayonnaise looking? Could be headgasket failure?

Have you checked all pipework? Bottom hose on the rad and all other hoses?

Split header tank?

Run the engine upto temp and have a look around. Just don't burn yourself.

😉

ExpatScot

Well the good news is it seems to be your 'common or garden' leak/hose.

I had already checked for the old mayonnaise issue and eliminated that as cause.

I went inside to top up cuppa, whilst it was up on stands and running.... came back to a small collection of that pink/orangey mix of coolant on the mat I was lying on.... traced the drip to (roughly) the area of the radiator right in front of the driver.
I need to take the plastic front grill etc off to access it further and see properly as there is that plastic 'plate' that fits across under the radiator - held with those plastic rivets. So will get to Vaux' on Monday and by some replacements studs/rivets as I am bound to trash them in process of removal.

ExpatScot

I had thought previously water pump may be culprit - and reading this thread viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16394 that seems to be at same side and general location... Will know more when can get that plastic grill removed.

ExpatScot

A new day, a fresh look...

Still not taken the grill off (though have bought the replacement plastic rawlplug style rivets to refit it)...

However can see from getting under and poking about it isn't coming from water pump - is the area at the bottom tight hand corner of the radiator, so will either be pipe/hose, or leak.

PS:- after spending a bit more time on the forum I realise this was posted in wrong section... my bad! :oops:

jwalker

Could it be from the drain plug?

ExpatScot

It's possible - can't get in clearly to see until I take the front plastic grill off.... and just to save on hassle I wanted to wait until a mechanic friend was available to fix it if it was/is something beyond my keenness to tackle.

I know that one round part (looks like plug assembly of some sort, though not plug itself) is not marrying up with the hole in the mounting which is obviously meant for it...

Am speaking to local radiator place in a few to see if I can buy a replacement, and have it on hand to switch if needs be (when the grill comes off) - and if it turns out to be something else, then can return it.

8-)

ExpatScot

Just by way of an update.....

As I thought (judging by misaligned mountings in above pics) the car has been in a slight front end shunt before I had it, hence rad' leak. :o

Picked up new radiator this morning... and its going in. However the AC rad' is non-op, and wont refit - as is the 'second' fan, also non-op (well technically it still works, but its mountings are shagged).... Need car for a job this afternoon and so am hoping (fingers crossed) can tidy up the loose ends (literally) and leave the busted AC rad' and fan out of the fitting as I wont want AC til the summer.

All this on the proviso that it can all 'fit' and that 2nd fan is only for the AC and thus my engine cooling should still be fine. :eh: