Coolant Loss

[B9 KLF]

Have been losing coolant lately and been topping up thro the filler neck and noticed that after a run the coolant is dumped on the floor under the reservoir. OK lets not panic then.

To be fair this was after a coolant change and it took some time to burp the engine through.

However when I did another cold fill up though the filler neck the water kept going down and after three top ups water was running onto the floor below the reservoir. The more I put in through the neck the more poured out under the reservoir.

So would this indicate a split reservoir, doggy hose to/from, split expansion tank (although plastic looks ok). Its not easy to see around that area so suggestions would be appreciated before I take the headlamp unit out.

Keith

[boosted]

What series car? alright b4 coolant change?

[B9 KLF]

Well spotted - its a 94 FD with v mount set up.

Keith

[B9 KLF]

and yes alright before the coolant change.

Keith

[boosted]

caps on right? no spring rubber seal on filler neck on engine. spring rad cap on AST.? only say this as ive got them wrong.

[B9 KLF]

Well I've done a sanity check on the caps and they are the right way round. However, it will not hold water in the thermostat filler neck and coolant is coming out of the reservoir at the top. Using a long torch I can see a little overflow hole to the top of the reservoir next to the plastic tube where the dipstick is.

Hmm    

[boosted]

mmmm...me had similar and mine pushed out what it didnt want and settled just below cap. is it worth heat cycling along to fully cool check level drive and check again. IF it was ok b4 coolant change must just be too much in the system. I burped all me pipes and lots of air came out. got it up to running temp so sure thermostat open and allowed to fully cool. soz if sounds like sucking on eggs. good luck.

[clive]

Hi Keith,

When you say loosing water, is this after a run and if so, can you hear any gurgaling noises ? ,

Also are you still running the overflow tank under the os wing if it's pushing water out of its overflow hole then sadly it's probably a water seal, sorry.

[B9 KLF]

Hi Clive

Well I tried the champagne test but nothing appeared to show. No real white smoke on cold start. It pulls well and starts no problem cold or hot. It was OK before the coolant change and did need a lot of burping. Changed the t/stat which was not opening very much.

It could be the turbos failing but they need changing really.

So jury's out and still a hoot to drive.

Keith

[clive]

OK then, it still sounds like air that's causing the problem,

If need be pull the 10mm hose off the top of the back of the bock and fill with a hose via a funnel  to flush the air out.

Hope this helps

[B9 KLF]

Good idea - thanks Clive

[B9 KLF]

Happy days 

I tried different pressure caps on the AST and even fitted an aftermarket AST, but the coolant was still letting by into the overflow tank and onto the floor.

However went down to Haywood Rotary today and Carl plus mechanic sorted it with a good plastic AST plus better pressure cap.

After an excellent run back from Newbury (including queing on the M25) there was no coolant pushed out on the garage floor.

So it seems to be a fix. Great

Keith