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Have I got a leak?
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:36 pm
by idetika
On friday I noticed water dripping from under the engine. I have had a coolant alarm thingy fitted and that had not sounded so popped it literally round the corner to the local garage who said it was condensation from the air con. Next morning I started the bongo and the coolant alarm sounds - check the water and it has dropped overnight, though only just below full. Topped it up, and have been away, taking care to check temp etc and no alarm, water level just above full where I filled it to. Is this just one of those things? I am slightly worried as I have heard horror stories etc and don't want to put all my trust in the alarm (am glad we had it fitted though). The bongo is running like a dream and has got barely warm all weekend. Any ideas?
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:41 pm
by francophile1947
When the engine is cold, the level should be below full to allow for expansion. You are probably overfilling it, and some is lost through the overflow when the engine gets hot.
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:42 pm
by daveblueozzie
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:52 pm
by Dabs
Idetika I would monitor this very closely,
I have just sorted 3 consecutive coolant leaks in as many weeks.Two were hoses (Bleed hose and the one over the Starter motor) the other being a water pump leak.All three were rectified by having new parts fitted.
The water pump was a baffling one as it only leaked overnight when it went cold so difficult to spot.The hoses only leaked when the engine had warmed and was fully hot.
Hope this helps
Dabs
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:49 pm
by haydn callow
somthing must have dripped away for the alarm to sound. Fill the header tank to the full mark when cold, after running the level will rise about 1cm
due to expansion. This is fine and no coolant should be expelled. When it cools again it should be back on the full line and not below it. What level did you fill it to when you fitted the alarm?? the best way to check for leaks is when the engine is cold and not running. This means you need to put some pressure in the system !! get a old "high pressure cycle innertube, remove the valve complete out of the rubber, this is just the right size to screw itself into the tank overflow outlet once you have removed the rubber pipe. Give this a few pumps with a bike pump and check EVERYWHERE AND EVERYTHING for leaks.
Good luck.
Did you have a new tophose fitted?? check the clips are tight