Disappearing Coolant

[Su Bullock]

Every time I open my bonnet, my expansion tank is bone dry - whether the engine is hot or cold. I've bought a new radiator cap, there are no breaks in any of the hoses but the back of my radiator is stained with the coolant. The car had a new rad in '98 and the radiator still holds it's level of coolant. What's happening? Is Paul Daniels at work in my coolant system?

[Noel]

If the back of the rad is stained with coolant it must be leaking, but if it appears to hold it's coolant level it may be just a tiny pin hole leak that is replenished by the coolant in the header tank during driving.

Just because your radiator is only 2 years old doesn't mean it's perfect. Get it tested - most radiator shops will test for free, and if there is a tiny hole it can probably be soldered up for beer money.

[claire]

i used radiator cement -a brand called 'ce-lit'. i think its only supposed to be tempory but mines been fine ever since. it should be ok for little holes.

[Paul Berry]

Im very dubious about the type of sealant that has been suggested to you, I personaly wouldnt use it in my car but thats my own oppion and prefferance

[claire]

out of curiosity why wouldn't you use it? could it do any damage?-i haven't had any problems with mine.

[Lee]

I used that, although my hole was bigger and I ended up getting a new rad but I never had a problem with it. Most things like that have to pass very stringent tests before they are on sale in this country so I wouldn't worry too much. You can always use an egg as that works well too!!!

[Lee]

I reckon you expansion tank is leaking. As the engine heats up the water goes along (inside)your overflow pipe to the expansion tank. The expansion tank lid (plastic flip top jobby) can't hold the pressure in and the water that is very hot is evaporating through either a small hole in the tank or through the top itself. Then some of the steam (now cooling) becomes water again and naturally drips off the bonnet and the overflow pipe (outside)back to the rad, to the cap and down the back of the rad.

I know this sounds far fetched but it happened to my mates 2.0 and it took ages to figure it out. The reason it was running down the back of the rad was cause the momentum of going forwards made the water run back. Try running your engine till hot and pop the bonnet, if this is happening there should be steam comming from the expansion tank. If not get your rad checked (most garages charge but rad specialists are normally free)and welded which again is very cheap. I know an auto parts store where he has literally dozens of brand new old stock ford rads which is where I got mine for just £25! (ford quoted £130)

Good luck

[Craig Adamson]

I too have used that sort of stuff in the past and had no problems at all. I can't remember the name of the one i used but it was in a white plastic cylindrical tube-type-thingy with red writing on it. The stuff itself was like a long round OXO cube (which obsolutely stunk !!!!!!)that you just crumbled into the rad - all was fine.
Hope this mini essay helps

Craig.

[Su Bullock]

Is that any good? And where can I find these places that check my rad for leaks, as Noel suggests?

[Su Bullock]

I do have the flip-top jobby on my ex-tank (even though it has a picture of windscreen wash on the top itself!). Do I need to buy a new top, like the radiator cap-type?

[Paul Berry]

talk abbout far fetched, your right. its most likely that the radiator core is leaking. You have two options to change the rad or try rad weld..If the expansion tank is always empty as you have already said then buy a new one from amotor factor..

[Noel]

In Essex I have the luxury of using Essex Radiators in Gt. Baddow who are both competant and extremely helpful.

For local radiator factors around you I'd try Yellow pages.

Radweld will do the job.

[Tracey]

Where is this cheap store? I live in the Bromley area and need a new rad asap as a stone has made a lovely mess of mine!!

[Su Bullock]

I went to a rad specialsit, like someone said and it fell apart in his hands, then I had a mass panic about getting a new rad for today and eventaully got one for £33 (new/orig) from lancashire Motor radiators in Liverpool. They even fitted it for £15 and it took them about 4 minutes.
I keep opening my bonnet and admiring the coolant in my bottle. Well, it's never been there for more than 2 hours before!
Cheers, all!

[Lee]

Rad weld is good enough and they also check Rads for free and charge a few quid for a repair.

[Lee]

if it is it then get one from a scrappy for a fiver. No point in replacing the top. Also probably get a brand new one from Ford for not much more.

[Lee]

Thats what it was and all this was found out at the expens of a new rad caus it still happened. Best to check the stupid stuff first before spending any money.

[Lee]

Auto Spares of Chingford in East London. Don't know number but you can get it from www.yell.com

[Gavin]

The rad in my '83 1.6LS is out of a transit van. It cost me £10 from a breakers and it was almost brand new. I think it was fitted in the tranny just before a lorry parked on the back of it!