Fluid Leak

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millerj1974

Fluid Leak

Post by millerj1974 » Sat Apr 02, 2011 11:30 am

I have just noticed a fluid leak from below our front grill, possibly off the rad but am not sure. My father in law and neighbour have noticed an oily film on a puddle below where I park but when I touch the fluid its more water than oil but does leave a slightly sticky feel. When dry.
millerj1974

Re: Fluid Leak

Post by millerj1974 » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:21 pm

I think I have found the problem, it appears to be a leaky rad so I am now in the market for a new one if anyone knows where I can get one.
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mister munkey
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by mister munkey » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:36 pm

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/MisterMunkey
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by mikeonb4c » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:38 pm

millerj1974 wrote:I think I have found the problem, it appears to be a leaky rad so I am now in the market for a new one if anyone knows where I can get one.
Lots of threads and advice on here - have a search. Northern Bongolow or Mikexgough are just two who come to mind who might be especially useful with advice on this one so you could PM them

...but I see Mister Munkey is even sadder than I am by not only being on the forum instead of outside on this lovely day but having a happier trigger finger to boot :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by rita » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:54 pm

Hi,
If its the front rad that's for the air con.

Cheers..
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Northern Bongolow
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by Northern Bongolow » Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:29 pm

millerj1974 wrote:I think I have found the problem, it appears to be a leaky rad so I am now in the market for a new one if anyone knows where I can get one.
if you have a leaking rad at the seam between top tank and the core(drivers side) this indicates to me that the system is struggling,and is going overpressure,and overtemp.
you must find out why,the chief culprit is the stat,and would change this for a gen mazda one while the system is being worked on. (in my opinion)
see steve widdowsons thread on the stat.
also check your hoses for swelling.
millerj1974

Re: Fluid Leak

Post by millerj1974 » Sat Apr 02, 2011 6:35 pm

Thanks guys, yes the leak is on the rear rad on the drivers side so I think I will also change the stat when changing the rad.

Mike I also agree with you and have been outside all day building my custom interior, the weather down my way on the south coast has been great today.
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by mikeonb4c » Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:11 pm

millerj1974 wrote:Thanks guys, yes the leak is on the rear rad on the drivers side so I think I will also change the stat when changing the rad.

Mike I also agree with you and have been outside all day building my custom interior, the weather down my way on the south coast has been great today.

lubbly jubbly. Well at least I raised my AFT and left it up for a few hours to air, ready for the season :D
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Re: Fluid Leak

Post by mikexgough » Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:52 pm

Mr Munkey's link is spot on ....as is the advise to change the 'stat...... My Japanese Bongo buddies change the waterpump too at the same time as Thermostat...but that is usually during the 5yr Coolant change cycle.....so not suggesting you have to do the same

To me....for what it is worth.... sounds like you are over pressured as Northern bongolow suggests and I reckon you will find.....that you have a mix of Japanese coolant and G11 british stuff....causing gelling/sludge....hence extra pressure.....

Get a good flush out at the time of Rad change etc.....

Coolant is your call of course.... pre 2006 FL-22 is Mazda's G12 equivalent or a lot of us now use the G12+ type Red coolants..... (don't go to Halfords for coolant.. [-o< ).... Car Plan Premium Red or Comma Red will sort you...as it's closest Chemistry wise to Factory coolant as possible...
Conversant with Bongo Top Pinion Oil Seals

Bongo owning Velotech Cycle Mechanic
millerj1974

Re: Fluid Leak

Post by millerj1974 » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:16 pm

I received my new rad and stat today from jap spares and plan on carrying out the work on Friday.

Can anyone advise how I should flush the system and the best place to get new coolant from?
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