25 replies to this topic

[Deaconp]

It would appear that I have a coolant leak from the front of the car. The coolant indicator light came on and the tank did seem to be a little less than usual. I put some coolant in the tank and since then it does not seem to have moved considerably. The light has since remained off. There is evidence of some leakage under the front clam as streaks of liquid are visible on the underside. Obviously, my first thought is that the radiator is failing (it is the original radiator although the car has only done 17,000 miles). However, is there any other obvious place where such a leak could originate from? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[furtive]

Check the bleed nipple of the hose going into the top of the radiator. It's behind the passenger side headlight, and also where the hose attaches to the radiator.

 

Also check your coolant tank hasn't got a crack in it

[Wolfstone]

I have the same issue and exactly the same symptoms but think my leak is from the underside of the core of the radiator. Ordering a new all aluminium Coolex rad for £120 and new hoses as all of these parts on mine are still original (14 years and 81k miles).

[WrightStuff]

The joint between the core and the where the hose attaches is a known weak point on the OE radiator.

Its starts weeping initially but can eventually just blow apart suddenly, dumping all the coolant in the process.

Clam off job to replace the radiator, so not a cheap fix.

[Deaconp]

Check the bleed nipple of the hose going into the top of the radiator. It's behind the passenger side headlight, and also where the hose attaches to the radiator.   Also check your coolant tank hasn't got a crack in it

The coolant tank is good and everything seems okay in the engine bay. It's definitely something coming from the front. I'll see whether I can access the bleed nipple..... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ian59]

I have a spare bleed nipple if you require one.

[Deaconp]

I have a spare bleed nipple if you require one.

Thanks Ian, I'll be having a look at the bleed nipple tomorrow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Deaconp]

Quick further question, am I best accessing the bleed nipple by removing the headlight or going in through the wheel arch? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited by Deaconp, 30 April 2017 - 08:09 AM.

[fezzasus]

headlight

[Deaconp]

Right, checked the bleed nipple and both connections between the hoses and the radiator and no signs of leakage from any of those.

 

The coolant trails on the underside are on the driver's side (ie the other side to the bleed nipple). So, I'm thinking either:

 

1. There is a leak in the hose below the level of the rad. Is this possible? Does it connect somewhere else there?

2. The rad itself is leaking on the underside.

 

Thoughts gratefully received...!

Edited by Deaconp, 30 April 2017 - 12:07 PM.

[Wolfstone]

Mine is leaking on the underside of the rad. Run it up to temp and see if you get get your head below the level of the rad and using a torch see if you can spot it.

[Andyeddie]

I re entry had a stall leak in the same area, turned out the rad hose clip was pretty loose allowing a small amount of coolant to pass, but only when warm/hot, simply tightening up the clip fixed it. Worth a look.

[Andyeddie]

I recently had a small leak!!!!!!!!

[Deaconp]

I re entry had a stall leak in the same area, turned out the rad hose clip was pretty loose allowing a small amount of coolant to pass, but only when warm/hot, simply tightening up the clip fixed it. Worth a look.

That was my first thought but fairly sure it's not that. Definitely seems to be coming from underneath the level of the rad. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andyeddie]

Ok, the only places it can leak water at the front end are, Bleed nipples, which are part of the, Hoses Radiator Try squeezing the hoses with your hand to get a little pressure on the system at the front and see if you can see any drips, otherwise if you can borrow a pressure tester pump it up and again have a look at all the possibilities. My little hose leak only occoured when the engine was warm and I was driving so impossible to see when the car was static, leaks can be very difficult to spot as your finding out.

[fezzasus]

If it's pooling into the crash box (shine a light into the grille) it's likely the radiator core. If it's pooling outside of that it's likely the hoses

[Deaconp]

Good point. Just checked. Yes, its coming into the crash box. That would explain why it is appearing from under the clam and streaking across the front undertray.

 

So, conclusion = radiator core.

 

New rad time then.

[Wolfstone]

I claim an 'assist'.

[The Batman]

If you're near bucks I can fit a new rad for ya

[Deaconp]

If you're near bucks I can fit a new rad for ya

Thanks for the offer but I've already got a date booked with Jonnyboy. I'm going to go with a Coolex rad. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk