Leaking Coolant

Post by **steffanstringer** » 01 Aug 2007, 06:56

Hi all,

my '85 Westy Joker (1900cc, carburettor, LPG'd) started a steady drip leak from somewhere around the overflow tank (the one on the left). Can't see any split hoses or loose hose clips but suspect that the tank itself may have a split in it - is that a typical/known issue?

Interestingly the coolant is very thick and viscous as though it is barely diluted - my neighbour tells me it is normal for LPG'd engines because of all that cold gas down there.

Bearing this in mind (and maybe I should put this in the Alternative Engine forum) but any suggestions for the dilution ratio for me to top up the coolant?

Cheers

Steffan

Website · Post by **syncrosimon** » 01 Aug 2007, 08:27

That leak sounds like it could be a split expansion rank. They are not very well made and split along the seam. Only soloution is to replace. I have tried using various glues to stem the flow, but they are only temporary soloutions. There are some really shonky cheap new ones on the market and a few variations, so I would try VW if you do need to replace. The thick goo sounds like someone has tried using radweld or similar to block the leak. That leaves a gloopy mess where it has tried to seal a leak.

VW G12 coolant can be mixed at 2 parts coolant to 3 parts water giving protection down to -24 deg. Half and half gives -36 deg, and 3 parts coolant to 2 parts water gives -52 deg centigrade. I always top up with neat coolant as long as it is only the odd cupfull.

Hope this helps.

Simon.

Post by **syncrodoug** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:53

If the coolant level sender has been screwed too tightly this can split the plastic.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 01 Aug 2007, 19:06

or if the top cap has been overtightened while hot you can get what look like tiny hairline fractures near the shoulder only leaks when hot.

Post by **v-lux** » 01 Aug 2007, 22:34

As a temporary fix just to get out and about you could try hot knifing it.

Heat up an old knife with a blow torch and use it to melt the plastic back together.

Depending on where the leak is, it can work well enough to last a fair while. I had a leak along the seam that i repaired this way. But it only lasted a few months.

Ironically, i just put a new one on today. better safe than sorry.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 01 Aug 2007, 22:43

try hot knifing it.

thats not how I used to hot knife, Ahhh mispent youth!

Post by **v-lux** » 01 Aug 2007, 23:56

he he, well, ..that would be another option.

Do the traditional hot knives and just forget about it