Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

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fairwynds
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Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by fairwynds »

Well, having recently replaced my water pump I bled system, drove, re bled system and was quite happy with my new, 'quiet' van. Having had to disturb several hoses and joints to accomplish the water pump change, I've been checking the coolant level and expansion tank every day. I've still got a VERY small coolant leak, which only shows itself when engine cold (stood overnight) as a damp patch under van and pink drips under the thermo housing. Those of you that have chased such leaks will know they can be a pain to locate exactly due to the heat of engine (leak wont be there due to evaporation) or pressure of system (meaning micro leaks can effectively spray themselves to a nearby location, giving you a false indication).
I've tightened hoses (but never good to overtighten, can have adverse effect). Still got tiny, bloody annoying leak!
So I have run van up to temperature this morning, then wrapped every possible joint in mechanics 'blue roll' tissue (donated by friendly local garage, as hugely expensive to buy in bulk roll it seems!). I've used this before to great effect, as even one or two drips of water/coolant and it changes colour (bit like wearing a grey T shirt and spilling tea on it!).
So, now I sit and wait for engine to cool down, and for leak to appear..... mwahahahahaha!
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ermie571
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by ermie571 »

Hi Fairwynds!!

Love this...its brilliant!!

Human 1 Van 0


hahahhaha

Em
xx
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fairwynds
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by fairwynds »

...it's 1 all at the moment.... grrrrrr
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lloydy
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by lloydy »

I bet on every bit of paper being dry
Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you

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fairwynds
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by fairwynds »

lloydy wrote:I bet on every bit of paper being dry

exactly! Go on, dribble for me, just a bit....please. Give me a feckin clue! I know full well that if I replace engine lid/mat/2 x fold up chairs/levelling chocs/bag of spares/jack/tools/etc etc etc and peer under van tomorrow, it will have piddled on floor again! Frustration city!
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lloydy
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by lloydy »

Always the way isn't it , talcum powder liberally applied is quite a good way to find the source as well. Just from reading other threads (I know little on the WBX) isn't the thermo housing a common leak point?
Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you

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fairwynds
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

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Well, I THINK it's traced to the stubby hose (which I newly replaced) from the thermo housing, where it joins the LH head. Tightened the hose clip a tad more.....broke hose clip....(!) Bought new hose clip.....we shall see tomorrow morning now! Ho Hum!
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fairwynds
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by fairwynds »

Tomorrow has arrived.....no leak visible....did the silly 'oh yeah, it's fixed dance' on my driveway.....neighbours saw me!

marvellous...
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by Dazco »

Dont forget to remove all the paper towels
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fairwynds
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Re: Tracing a water leak the 'blue roll way'!

Post by fairwynds »

Dazco wrote:Dont forget to remove all the paper towels

yes...he fixes leak, but then engine bay catches fire.....! That would not do!
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