[moved] Coolant leak

[Mikeymike80 0]

I've been reading the forums to try and ascertain the cause of my car slowly leaking coolant, resulting in the temperature light illuminating. After a quick re-fill of water, the problems persists.

There is no signs of water inside the car, including both front footwells, so I don't suspect the heater matrix. There is also no sign of water leaking from underneath the car/radiator area. Both top and bottom pipes to the radiator are both hot after a good run, so don't suspect the thermostat. I've also checked the oil and there are no signs of foaming type substance, so don't suspect the head casket.

I've got some pics, but don't know how to upload them.

There are some signs of a little water sitting by the coil pack, which is rusty looking. I think this is from the coolant, but can't find where it is coming from.

Any ideas?

[cabrioman 6]

sounds like thermostat housing to me mate or around that area

[spindat45 0]

Is the rusty looking water below the coildpack? That would point to the thermostat housing leaking. They're plastic and often leak if not replaced when changing thermostats or just with old age.

What colour is the cap on the coolant reservoir? I had a black one on mine and could always smell coolant under the bonnet but could never find the source of my coolant loss. Changed it to a blue one and all sorted.

There is a pipe connected to the back of the head that comes from the bulkhead which often splits due to the movement of the engine. It can leak slowly down the back of the engine without being noticed as its below the engine plastic that has the leads on it so have a good look around there.

If all else fails, see if a local garage can pressure test your system. They'll pressurise the system then look and listen for leaks.

Kevin

[spindat45 0]

sounds like thermostat housing to me mate or around that area

Great minds Tony

[Mikeymike80 0]

Thanks guys for your help on this one. The water is rusty orange, so I suspect it is the coolant. It's near the coil pack.

I will get it pressure tested. The expansion tank is black, but no smells noticable.

Thanks again. I will attempt to change the thermostat myself, as I understand the labour is very high for a couple hours work!

[J5KE F 0]

I can help with the picture upload fella.. Sign up to Photobucket.com easy to upload and manage ur pics. Once they are on there resize to the suggested size or I think u can choose an option to size when uploading. Anyways once they are on there u can select an IMG, thumbnail, avatar, or direct link. Copy this and paste to ur forum post!

I hope that makes senxe!!

[Mikeymike80 0]

Thanks VrSick. Here are the pictures of the fault (I think):

[spindat45 0]

Judging by the rusty water marks on the front of the engine, I'd say it's your thermostat housing that's leaking. Possibly from where it connects to the "crack pipe" which runs under the inlet manifold to the back of the water pump. You should be able to get the housing with all seals, new thermostat and crackpipe with seals from GSF or Euro carparts.

Don't take a chance on just changing the seals as it WILL leak and you'll have to strip it all down again.

Sign up as a premium member on here and you'll get a nice discount from GSF

Kevin

[Mikeymike80 0]

Thanks very much for your advice. Thermostat it is. Kevin.

[spindat45 0]

No probs mate. All sorted now?