Coolant Level Low

[timthemod]

Noticed yesterday red dash light was flashing while driving and staying on and was overheating after only a mile!

After searching the forum and reading various threads I investigated and found coolant level was low in the header tank, ok level in reserve tank. Topped up header tank to 2/3 ran up to running temperature and it seems to be OK.

Any ideas? Possible defective 'dalek/pressure' cap?

Going on a long journey this week and need to get it sorted.

Engine is 2.1 DJ petrol.

[CJH]

Could be a leak anywhere in the cooling system. It's supposed to draw coolant back from that reserve tank* as it cools down and depressurises, but if you've got a leak it will tend to draw in air at the point of the leak instead. So have a good look all around your cooling system for signs of coolant - if you only find one you'll be one of the lucky ones! One problem is that the leak will often be onto a hot surface, so by the time you get the engine lid off after a run it may well have evaporated. Plus it will often only leak when it's starting to pressurise, so will come out as a fine spray, rather than a simple drip. If your coolant is at the right concentration, then look for a stain the same colour, possibly caused by a spray of coolant that's evaporated.

And your header tank* should be completely full, not two-thirds. Fill it right to the brim. Don't rule out the seal around the sender in the top of the header tank as the source of your leak - if you've got any coolant sitting in the recess where the sender is then it's either the seal or a minute crack in the tank itself.

If your coolant has been that low, you should have a go at bleeding it properly too - see the wiki.

*I'm sorry - I get confused over the 'proper' names for these tanks so I'm sticking to the names in the first post!

[timthemod]

Thanks cjh will check for signs of a leak

[BertieWells]

Just sorting out the 3rd leak in my van right now.

The first 2 were in the pipe that runs under/behind the main crank pully. Welded up until i could afford new pipes. Day before new pipes arrive a new leak appears. I whip out the pipe again but its still good so im currently thinking its a seal or something to do with the water pump its self. There is coolant EVERYWHERE after the fan belt made a nice shower in my engine bay.

I read somewhere about the "Blue Towel Method" im pretty sure its in the forum somewhere. Very good idea.

Remeber water always runs down so if you can follow any flow up angled pipes that might help.

Hope that helps

Rob