Side drainage? and container/deposit under seat?

[Dantes]

I'm absolutely new to this forum, and I must explain my looking for some guru guidance as I am totally lost to understand two things.

1. The container/deposit/bottle that is attached to the exterior under my drivers seat (LHD) is all connected, but connected to what as it appears to be empty? What is it for? Should it contain something? and how do I get access to fill it?

2. Had a mystery fluid leak that appears to have been on each side of my 1.6 TD (1987 JX) Multivan. Looked under and it appears to have run along the channel thats running along the lower bodywork edges (there are drain holes allocated as seen from below the van), and runs from f/wheel to r/wheel. It has since stopped leaking, but I can't for the life of me understand where the fluid has come from. Didn't get a chance to taste it, but felt like either radiator fluid or water. Radiator to/from hoses are in the centre?, with any leaks here or from the radiator itself not making it this far back in the van to be that.

Sorry to have to come on here just to ask questions, but in order to take the family in the van this summer I would like to have the peace of mind not to think the radiator is problematic. Ta in advance.
Cheers.

[horns]

1 - Expansion fuel tank.

2 - Water either from leaky windows or condensation?

[peasant]

2)
Do you have an extra heater under the rear bench seat? If yes, then it is most likely leaking ...the leaking coolant runs to the side and comes out exactly where you described.

Here's a pic of the heater with seat and cover removed ...you can see where the coolant would escape at the top of the pic


These heaters usually leak at the plastic valve or the matrix itself ...quick fix for the summer is just to bung up both coolant pipes

The good news is that coolant usually contains rust inhibitors, so it won't do much damage

[Dantes]

It does have a heater unit under the rear bench seat, smack in the middle. Under the seat was the first place I looked for maybe spare liquids that might have leaked whilst driving (you know the coca cola bottle filled with water that you are sure will be essential some day); but I didn't think to check the heater unit. Will get under tomorrow to have a look see. Fluid seemed to be running down mainly where the rear hub carrier attaches to the chasis (the lowest point of bodywork in front of rear wheels).

I think you've got me onto something now , so massive thanks. My radiator expansion tank did drop from max to min (but I thought/hoped that there maybe was an airlock in the system that got budged).

[Dantes]

Spot on. Removed the rear seat cover on the heater unit and the connection for thelower pipe had tell tale sign of liquid round it. Will now take the unit out and see if I can open it to diagnose the exact source of the leak. Additionally I can clean up the surrounding area and refresh the bolts/screws whilst they are out. Will see if I can post some pics when I get it out to aid future home repairs by others. Cheers Peasent.

[sezicoolcat]

I know its already been identified as one of the fuel expansion tanks, but could the first question be the windscreen washer bottle?
If so, its filled from the top - remove floor pan mats/carpets.

[Dantes]

Found the problem, and after idling the van located the source of the leak. Was coming from the open/close valve. So after locating a possible replacement (Part number 867 819 809 B)I took it apart to see if it could be repaired.

DSC00034.JPG

Apart from the obvious gunk it appeared to be the plastic where the screw fastens the open/close arm. This was cracked slightly. So I cleaned it (air compressor) and added a strong glue when wedged open a little then withrew the screw and let it harden (make sure no glue upsets the seal for the mounting rubber). Then found a slightly smaller screw to replace the original (that didn't bed so deep) and whacked it all back together.

DSC00041.JPG

Ran the van, letting the fluid heat up. and presto jobs a goodin, no leaks. Cheers Peasent for getting me on the right path. Obviosly got to keep an eye on it from time to time, but all in all well chuffed .