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coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 4:54 pm
by kev2477
hi all, as the heading states, i have lost a litre of coolant in a week i have had a problem more or less since i bought the bus but the past week is the worst.
i had it back at wheelquick to have a nosey about and they changed a jubilee clip to a hose but this has'nt cured the problem, rang mike and he told me to keep topping up till i find the leak.
i'm getting a bit worried now for i can't find anything. mechanical knowledge not brill, but looking and feeling hoses surely not to tasking.
looked around forum at other posts and the van does'nt cough out any white smoke, thinking of pressure testing is this the right route to take and if so were to take around my area which is skipton, is they any competent member who could help.
thanks in advance for your knowledge and advice.
cheers kev...

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 5:03 pm
by Dabs
Is it the water pump??
has it puddled on a morning when its been cold??

Dabs

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 5:10 pm
by kev2477
no sign of puddling when moved van in the morning, but i will observe again 2moz.
cheers kev...

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 5:50 pm
by Doone
If you can't find the leak, it could be evaporating on a hot part, or puddling in the tray. Also, check for damp carpets in the front footwells. If you can't get it traced under pressure, you can get the cooling system dye, which many have found helpful. Search for 'dye' in the techie section and you'll find info on it.

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 5:58 pm
by missfixit70
Pressure test the cooling system, the leak should soon become evident - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=38823
Is it starting ok? Any other issues? personally if it's losing that much in a week, I wouldn't be too happy driving it. Have you got a low coolant or any temperature alarms fitted? At least that may give you some warning before it goes pop. Don't rely on an unmodified temp gauge to tell you anything useful.

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 6:13 pm
by kev2477
hi all thanks for the replies.
the van starts fine and i do have a low coolant alarm fitted. the temp gauge just sits at the 11 o'clock position.
looks like i will have to go down the dye or pressure test route.
cheers kev...

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 6:37 pm
by fairly_odd
we had the same problem, couldn't find a leak anywhere though it was puffing out loads of white steam when I started it when hot. Finally ended up getting steel seal put in last week and (touches wood) it seems to have done the trick, she's running sweet again

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 6:49 pm
by mobilecat
Check the cap on the tank really carefully next time you fill up. It could be the seal (I know it wounds crazy but that's what mine was).

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 3:25 am
by Northern Bongolow
have pmd you,im just over the hill,if you get my drift :lol:

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 12:21 pm
by missfixit70
Northern Bongolow wrote:have pmd you,im just over the hill,if you get my drift :lol:
Just? A long time ago from what I've heard :lol: :P

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 12:25 pm
by francophile1947
missfixit70 wrote:
Northern Bongolow wrote:have pmd you,im just over the hill,if you get my drift :lol:
Just? A long time ago from what I've heard :lol: :P
That's right 8) - he used to be called Northern Bongohigh :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 12:50 pm
by kev2477
well just like to pay a big thank you to ady (northern bongolow) for finding and sorting out my coolant leak.
ady pressure tested the system and within minutes found the leak which turned out to be a dodgy radiator cap.
he also showed me round and explained the system and what to look out for. so once again CHEERS ady. :D
alternator and mason alarm now ordered.
cheers kev...

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 2:35 pm
by widdowson2008
kev2477 wrote:well just like to pay a big thank you to ady (northern bongolow) for finding and sorting out my coolant leak.
ady pressure tested the system .................
he also showed me round and explained the system and what to look out for
. so once again CHEERS ady. :D
cheers kev...
Hi Kev
Couldn't agree more with you. Ady recently rescued our holiday in a similar manner. Apart from replacing a hose/bleeding for me, he took the time to explain things - top bloke - total respect.

Re: coolant loss 1 litre in 1 week

Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 8:42 pm
by David Edwards
Now see that is what this site is all about, fantastic result and also helps restore peoples faith in the saying a stranger is a friend you aint met yet, only wish mine would solve so quick, all seems well with new rad, gave it a really good trip today and all is ok, will check in the morning to see if any coolant loss, pressure test shows no leaks and head fine.