Can a bad alternator cause loss of engine power & misfire?

[ghost123uk]

Also, the coolant level warning light has started flashing, but my coolant level is fine. Can't be because the engine's overheating because the needle hasn't moved!

Lots of info in the wiki about coolant warning LED faults = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Co ... ht_on_dash

First job is check the connectors on the sender at the top of the left hand coolant tank and scrape / clean the probes with a penknife or similar so they are shiny. Oh and check that that tank is brim full

[DevonMark]

Plenty of coolant in the right hand coolant tank, but below minimum in coolant system expansion tank, so that's where the problem is!

If one is ok and the other one low, does it suggest a particular problem? Just had the water pump replaced so can't be that.

[ghost123uk]

Plenty of coolant in the right hand coolant tank, but below minimum in coolant system expansion tank, so that's where the problem is!

I take it you are getting your rights and lefts mixed up as it should be the other way round

[DevonMark]

Plenty of coolant in the right hand coolant tank, but below minimum in coolant system expansion tank, so that's where the problem is!

I take it you are getting your rights and lefts mixed up as it should be the other way round

Looking from the back of the van the tank on the left hand side (with the sensor) is the cooling system expansion tank, isn't it? This one is below minimum.

The other one, with the cap you can get to through the reg plate hatch, is on the rut from the back and has plenty of coolant in it.

Unless I'm looking at everything upside down

[ghost123uk]

All the wrong way round, should be the opposite Left hand one is always supposed to be full to the brim, the other 1/2 full

[DevonMark]

All the wrong way round, should be the opposite Left hand one is always supposed to be full to the brim, the other 1/2 full

Left hand as you look from back of the van, yeah?

Are you just trying to confuse me? Haha! To be honest when it comes to mechanics the last thing I need is any further confusion, I'm confused enough by just looking at the engine!

[ghost123uk]

Left hand as you look from back of the van, yeah?

Yes

I ain't meaning to confuse ya

[DevonMark]

Left hand as you look from back of the van, yeah?

Yes

I ain't meaning to confuse ya

Nah I'm only messing, you're a huge help really!

So as I thought, coolant still leaking from somewhere as I have plenty in the right tank and not enough in the left. Sigh.

Back to the garage tomorrow (third time in three weeks!)

[ermie571]

you aren't the only one....had a brilliant year with them....then BAM! all at once...

Em
xx

[ermie571]

However, before you throw it at the garage, you may want to check some things yourself....

1. top up the expansion tank - make sure when you start it, the led does it check then stops flashing
2. Take it for a little run
3. Bring it home, let it cool
4. Check expansion tank....IF you had the water pump changed recently, it might not have been bled properly, and all you are seeing is the drop in level where the air has travelled to the expansion tank
5. Keep an eye...sounds like your darlic cap may not be working properly...ie its letting water into the top up, but not sucking it back.
6. When its running, check for leaks, or steam in the engine bay
7. Take it for a little run, whip the grill off and undo the radiator screw a tiny bit....see if water or air comes out. If air....the water level in the expansion tank will drop....you will need to check and top up once cool

By understanding how your cooling system works, you can keep one with a leak on the road....and find out where the leak is, or if there are other more serious things at work. Just keep the coolant topped, watch for damp patches under the van when parked, that the darlic cap maintains levels in the expansion tank etc.

Then you can take it to the garage and have some knowledge of what they are telling you is wrong

Good Luck

Em
xx