Coolant leak/red flashing light

[Born Too Late]

Last time we were out in the van the red coolant light started flashing, we didn't know the cause so got a tow home. I've since done some reading and testing and I think I know the reason but would welcome any advice or suggestions.

Firstly I think the dalek cap is knackered, took it off and tried blowing/sucking on it with no success It doesn't look like the one Brickwerks sell so guessing it's a crap aftermarket one



I'll be replacing that and its hose for a start.

When we got it home with the engine cold the header tank was very low and the top up tank was just above max. Ran the engine to get it hot and the top up tank stayed the same level and coolant was pooling under the header and spilling onto exhaust.

So, I'm thinking it can't expand into the top up tank because of a blocked cap and is being forced out somewhere around the header tank instead. Fitting a new cap and finding/fixing that leak should hopefully solve the problem.

The recovery man suggested it might be a couple of other things, faulty thermostat or water pump. The fan switches on at the right time and the heater still blows hot air so does that rule those out or should they be investigated too?

Many thanks

Wes

[kevtherev]

Reads like it could be a split header tank too, so I would look for splits along the seam or it's coming out of the sender recess
Plenty of new ones about

[Born Too Late]

Reads like it could be a split header tank too, so I would look for splits along the seam or it's coming out of the sender recess
Plenty of new ones about

Yeah there was a tiny puddle on the top around where the sensor screws in, not sure if that's responsible for the whole leak or if there are other splits so reckon I'll replace the tank for safety, thanks for the heads up